Reading books is the most valuable habit that enriches children's vocabulary, nourishes their imagination, and develops their analytical thinking skills. The foundations of this habit are laid by parents before the child even learns to read and write.
Steps to Instill a Love for Books
- Be a Role Model: Children do what they see, not what they hear. A child who frequently sees you reading at home codes books as a natural part of daily life.
- Start from Infancy: Introduce them to thick-paged, heavily illustrated, and touch-and-feel type books starting from the 6th month.
- Do Interactive Reading: Instead of reading in a flat tone, imitate the voices of characters. Involve the child in the story by asking questions like "What do you think will happen on the next page?"
Accessibility is Very Important
Arrange the books not on high shelves out of the child's reach, but on bookshelves suited to their height, with the covers facing forward. Always allow them to choose their own book.
