HOW TO DEVELOP READING HABIT IN KIDS

My husband is a proud father now days. Whenever he gets the opportunity, he showcases his 18 months old daughter's "reading prowess". Though he conveniently forgets to point out that the behind the scenes director is someone else (i.e. yours truly).My husband's joy is understandable because it is quite obvious that the book culture is on the decline. Many of today's kids would rather watch TV or play video games than read a book. Being a bookworm, or even showing an interest in reading, is perceived as a "nerdish" activity. Most of the heroes in today's society are professional athletes, actors, or music icons. Parents need to resurrect this habit as it adds multiple dimensions to a child's growth.

Bedtime reading is considered the best quality time spent with a kid. Psychiatrists feel that bedtime reading helps to build strong bonding with the child.

• Make reading fun! Something that is enjoyable is favoured. Act out stories from children's books, use different voices, and most importantly use enthusiasm. Presentation can be everything. A boring reader makes for a boring story no matter how exciting the story may really be. You might just find that you are having more fun as well.

• Turn off the television and provide quiet time. Turning off the television forces our children to "find something else to do"

Forcing a child to read will yield no positive results. Most children should not be required to read each day, especially if it's forced reading for pleasure. Some families find that having a reading time when the whole family reads works. Even if the child is reluctant, he knows that the time is reserved for reading. Let him choose to read light material, if nothing else.

• Use your child's favourite nursery rhymes. Maybe your child really likes "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." Find the book and read it. Personalized Baby Books can help develop a strong bond between a child and book reading.
  

• Don't forget book browsing on the World Wide Web.
  

• Display good books somewhere in your home. Let children know that books have an important place in the home. And don't limit the books to a few essentials...have a generous selection of a wide variety of books.

• Have your child put his name in his books. Ownership is important! Some parents even recommend bookplates or custom bookplates.

• Read yourself. Modeling to your children is one of the best ways of teaching children to read. If your children see that you read, you choose to read, and you enjoy reading, they are more likely to develop the same habit and pursue the same activity.

As your child grows and matures, introduce him or her to books for recreational reading that match their interests and hobbies. Show them how an informative book can deepen and expand their knowledge on a particular topic-and expand their horizons as well.

• Make sure your child or grandchild has a library card. Libraries are wonderful resources for reading motivation and learning. Show your children how libraries can be places of wonder and excitement, and can open up new worlds of learning that will last a lifetime. The habit of reading can be a lifetime gift for your child.

I have found some useful links which I have enlisted below
http://www.aesopfables.com/cgi/aesop1.cgi?1&TheAntandtheDove&&antdove2.ram
The fable narrated by a kid
http://www.ipl.org/div/storyhour/ : Different stories for children
http://www.funorama.com/easyanimals.html : Easy animal puzzle
http://wiredforbooks.org/kids/Moppet/Mm00.htm : Story of miss mopet with good illustrations and large print.
http://www.familymanagement.com/literacy/grimms/grimms-toc.html : The Grimm brothers’ tales

education
how to develop reading habit in kids