Reading aloud 10 minutes every day!

Reading aloud to children is very important and equally important is reading to them every day. Schedule 10 minutes of reading time for every day. Below are a few simple and easy to follow tips to help you.

1. Read books you love: Pick a book that you loved reading yourself or would like to read. This will provide a good start point and build mutual interest in reading aloud daily. Keep your reading light and make it fun for all.

2. Involve spouse or grandparents: Grown-ups can take turn to read aloud to children. Not only it helps build a more engaging discussion but also on days when one of you is busy the other can continue the reading.

3. Schedule reading time earlier in the day: Reading before bed time may be a good idea for some but pushing it towards the tail end of the day may result in it not happening on daily basis. Keep your reading time earlier in the day.

4. Tag it with other activities that happen every day: Tag the read aloud time with other activities that happen every day like ahead of lunch or dinner time. Reading right before a meal time can be a good idea when all family members are together. We have our meals every day and so reading will also happen every day!

5. Keep the books visible: Place the book you are currently reading in an area such that it is always in sight and tempts the kids to proactively pick it up.  The more often you see it, the more likely you’ll pick it up to read.

6. Have family rewards: Plan a family reward like a day out or a sweet treat after every book or after every 10 days of daily reading. This will keep everybody motivated!

More importantly, what works for one family may not work for another or what works one day may not work the next day. But it is worth putting in our efforts, time and thoughts in sharing books with our children.

Remember to keep your reading light and fun for all.

If you have suggestions or tips that work for your family, do share with all of us.