Did you know that of the 42 million children in the United States two out of three can't read, won't read or hates to read?
Schools spend a tremendous amount of time and energy teaching children to read, but the primary problem is that parents, teachers and child care providers have forgotten to teach children to "want to read." Desire is not something children are born with. It is a seed planted early in the child. The adult plants this seed by reading to the child and introducing the child to the joy and excitement that comes from books.
Children learn through imitation. They imitate the adults in their environment. Between the ages of two and five, this imitation is at its greatest. If children see adults reading, they will come to view reading as something good and desirable.
How can you, the child care provider, encourage the child's desire to read? Begin reading to the child as soon as possible. Use large picture books and Mother Goose rhymes for infants and toddlers. Increase the complexity of the books as the child grows and the attention span lengthens.
Have a special time every day for stories, perhaps before the nap or rest period. Have a special area for stories. A carpeted area works well, and pillows add a nice comfortable touch. This will encourage children to look at books throughout the day.
When reading to a group, hold the book under the bottom and slightly to one side (with pages toward the children) so that both you and the children can see the pictures as you read.
Use plenty of expression. Change your tone of voice to fit the story. Make story time special. Occasionally try something new (a witch'‘s hat, a stuffed toy, a felt character from the story) to add interest and excitement. Reluctant readers or overactive children might find it difficult to sit and listen. Paper and crayons will keep their hands busy while they are listening.