Help kids to love books

The best way to get kids to love books is to read to them.

Get hold of some well written books which are suitable for their age group and read them often. Every day if possible and especially at bedtime. This has the added advantage of creating a ritual which will clue your child in to the idea that it's now time to go to sleep. Which can be very useful if you value your sanity!

Reading aloud also helps children improve their literacy levels and will give them a boost at school. It helps them to learn what words mean and how language works, not to mention spelling and grammar. Any help you can give them outside of school has to be an advantage.

But having said that, try not to become a 'teacher' and turn your reading sessions into a boring extension of school where the child feels they have to get the words right. Reading should be fun and reading aloud to your child will improve your relationship with them. It's a great way for you to get to know each other and enjoy spending time together.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, I highly recommend that you check out this website www.memfox.net . Mem Fox is a brilliant children's author and literacy expert. She has many excellent ideas about reading to children and her book "Reading Magic" explains the benefits of helping kids to love books. She has written many fabulous childrens books which are worth hunting down in your local library or bookshop. An excellent starting point is "Where is the Green Sheep?" which my four year old nephew asked me to read to him over and over and over....I think he enjoyed it!

Have fun with your kids and read, read, read!!!!!