10 Tips To Help Your Child Enjoy Reading And Writing

May 20, 2022
Blog posted May 20, 2022 by Megan Ward
Post last modified February 7, 2024

One of the most important skills that we can teach our children is how to read and write. It is crucial for their future success in school and in life.

However, many children find reading and writing boring and difficult. This is because they don't enjoy it or they don't get the necessary support and encouragement.

Here are 10 tips to help your child enjoy reading and writing.

1. Read To Your Child Every Day

father and son reading book at home

Reading to your child every day is an important way of passing on the love of reading. And it is not just about passing on a love of reading, but also about developing a bond between a parent and child.

When you read to your child every day, you are building a lifelong habit that will help them learn to read, speak and communicate better. You are also teaching them how to enjoy books and stories. You will be able to teach them all sorts of things - from the alphabet to numbers, shapes, and colors.

Reading with your children helps them develop strong memories which they can draw upon in later life - for example when they have their own children or grandchildren.

By reading together as a family, you can foster a love of books and literacy in your child.

2. Help Your Child Build A Good Library

Start your child's library early. It is important for children to learn the joy of reading, and that they would be able to find the right book when they need it.

It is important that the children's books you select are age appropriate. Books for toddlers should be short with few words on each page and colorful pictures. Older children may enjoy longer books with more complex stories and more difficult vocabulary.

The library can be a place where your child can find books they enjoy as well as learn about new topics they might not have heard of before. Talking about what your child has read will help them retain information better.

3. Encourage Them To Share Their Reading Experiences With You

Encouraging your kids to share their reading experiences with you is one of the best things you can do for them. This is also a good opportunity for you both to learn and enjoy the same books.

Ask your kids questions about the book, and discuss what they find interesting or challenging about it. This will help them develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

For example, ask your kids what the main characters are doing and why they are doing it. Ask them what they think will happen next in the story. This will help them anticipate events and make more sense of the plot.

By talking about books together, you can help your child develop a love for reading and writing.

4. Let Your Child Choose His Own Books

Another thing you can do to encourage your kids is to let them choose their own books to read. This will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility, which will also help them develop confidence and independence.

It’s also important to ensure that your child reads a variety of books, from fiction to non-fiction. Reading different types of books will help them develop their critical thinking skills and broaden their horizon.

Guide your children’s reading choices, but don’t be afraid to let them branch out on their own.

5. Get Your Child Started With Writing Activities As Early As Possible

boy writing on a notebook and doing english worksheets

Children are natural storytellers. They have a rich imagination and can get lost in their own world.

Writing activities for early childhood provide children with many benefits like developing their literacy skills, improving their concentration, and helping them to explore their creativity.

There are many ways to get your child started with writing activities as early as possible. You can start by reading books with your child and then move to writing activities such as drawing pictures, dictating stories, and making lists of words that rhyme.

You can also ask them to draw a picture of the story they just heard, or write a sentence about what happened in the story before they drew it.

With these activities, you're giving your child opportunities to be creative while also developing skills that will help them succeed in school and life later on.

6. Encourage Them To Write In All Subjects

Encourage your child to write in all subjects, whether it be essays, poems, or just about anything else they might come up with. This will help them develop strong writing skills and give them a way to communicate their ideas and thoughts effectively.

If your child is struggling with writing in particular, offer some assistance along the way. Let them know what sorts of things make good writing exercises and offer help as needed. Together you can help your child develop a love for writing.

7. Help Them Find Their Own Style Of Writing

Encourage your child to write in a style that feels comfortable for them. This could mean writing in their own voice, using shorter sentences, or mixing different types of writing together.

Let them know that they can always change their writing style later on if they feel like it's not working for them. There is no wrong way to write – as long as they are having fun writing.

8. Use Imagination And Creativity In The Writing Process

child holding pencil and thinking while writing on a notebook

Encourage your child to use their imagination when writing. This can involve using their senses (vision, sound, smell, etc.) when creating their story.

Let them know that they can be creative with their words no matter what genre they choose to write in. This opens up the door for them to come up with unique ideas and stories that may otherwise not have been possible.

9. Let Them Correct Their Mistakes

Help them understand that making mistakes is part of the learning process and that everyone makes mistakes at some point.

Let your child know that you are there to support them and help them to correct their mistakes, but that they should also be willing to make mistakes themselves. This will help them learn from their mistakes and improve their writing skills.

10. Be A Role Model For Good Reading And Writing Habits

Set a good example for your child when it comes to reading and writing. Make sure you are reading and writing yourself. Let them see you enjoying these activities and they will most likely enjoy them too.

This includes making sure you read and write properly, using correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc.

Kids get encouragement from their parents and other adults in their lives. When they see that reading and writing are enjoyable activities, they are more likely to take up the challenge.

Final Thoughts

By following these 10 tips, you can help your child enjoy reading and writing. These activities will help them become well-rounded individuals who are able to communicate with others effectively.

Post Written by

Megan Ward has over 16 years experience in working directly with children and young people experiencing challenging behaviour. having worked exclusively with families, Australian agencies and with support networks to provide advice around emotional disturbances, guidance and leadership, her the main goal is the positive behaviour alteration, family happiness and harmony. Megan's qualifications include a Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and Fine Arts and a Masters in Special Education with a Major in Emotional and Behaviour Disturbances. Megan is the owner of a iCode School, specialising in NDIS tutoring, and support for children with learning disabilities.

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