Creating a Reading Environment at Home
RIF considers family involvement essential to any child's
success as a reader. Research has shown that by talking, singing, and
reading to children, parents are turning on brain cells that are
essential for a healthy child. Parents can build reading skills by
interacting with their children. By encouraging babies and young
children to communicate, parents are laying the foundation for later
reading success.
Parents and other family members need to be involved in
children's reading throughout their school years. Schools recognize the
importance of parent involvement in students' progress and are
increasingly encouraging parents to play a more active role.
Here are a few simple things that parents can do to create a healthy reading environment:
Make Reading Materials Available
To create a healthy reading environment, start with a good
supply of reading materials—newspapers, magazines, books, and catalogs.
It doesn't matter if they're owned or borrowed, new or used. What's
important is that reading materials are a natural part of your home and
everyday life. Set aside a spot in your home for a family library. You
don't need much space; a corner of a room with a bookshelf, comfortable
furniture, and adequate lighting will do. In choosing materials,
remember that variety counts. Instead of focusing on the number of
books, keep in mind the interests of each family member. A small
collection of books thoughtfully gathered over time is better than a
large collection that goes unread. Paperback and hardcover books, a
dictionary, an atlas, songbooks, magazines for parents and kids,
newspapers, and catalogs all have a place. Make sure your library
includes something for everyone at every reading level.
Make books inviting to everyone. Sturdy bookcases, built-in
shelves, and open magazine racks are ideal, but an orange crate works,
too. Be sure to put reading material for youngest readers on the lowest
shelves.
Be Reading Role Models
As much as they may deny it, most children want to be like
their parents. Their lifelong habits start to form at the earliest ages,
often by mimicking older members of the family. If they see you reading
daily—both for function and for pleasure—they will more likely become
avid readers themselves. If children see parents visiting libraries and
checking out books, giving and receiving books as gifts, and borrowing
and loaning books to friends, they will know their parents place a high
value on reading.
Read Aloud to Children
Reading to children, even for a few minutes each day,
prepares them to read and encourages a positive attitude toward reading.
Children who are read to at home learn to read more easily, have a
higher vocabulary, and are more likely to develop a love for reading
than those who are not read to on a regular basis. Simply put, this
cannot be done too early or too often.
Encourage Personal Libraries
Children often want their own place to keep books that have
special meaning for them. By encouraging children to set aside their
personal favorites, you are helping them express their affection and
respect for books. Here are some tips for helping children set up
collections:
- Find a special place for books. If your child's room
doesn't have a bookshelf or bookcase, use a box, basket, or other sturdy
container. Plastic stacking cubes work well.
- As often as possible, let your children choose the books
they want to add to their collection. A book-buying trip to a yard sale
or bookstore is a fun Saturday activity.
- Take your children to the library regularly. Even a
child with a well-stocked bookshelf needs a fresh supply of books.
Encourage children to treat library books with the same care they show
their own.
- Give your children books or magazine subscriptions as gifts.
- For babies and young toddlers, choose sturdy books that
will survive rough handling. Board books, for example, have thick pages
that can be turned easily and wiped clean.
Limit Television, Computers, and Video Games
For generations, education experts have been sounding the
alarm about the harmful effects of too much television. The rise in
popularity of the Internet and computer and video games only adds to the
din of distractions pulling children away from more literary pursuits.
While excellent educational programs and software exist, consumption of
electronic media must be kept in check by parents. Limit children's
television and computer use to make time for other activities, such as
reading. Try not to use television and computers as rewards for reading
(or denying them as punishment for not).
Source: RIF Motivational Activities Handbook.
semester : 2 (dua)
