Learning to read is one of the most important skills young children can acquire. The ability to read fluently is essential for children, but it does not always come easily. In order to motivate youngsters, teachers and parents must find innovative ways to make reading more engaging and fun for them. If you are looking for new and creative ways to get your students more interested in reading, consider the ideas presented in this guide.
Top 3 Ways To Make Reading More Engaging for Children
Choose the Right Books
One of the biggest reasons students avoid reading is because they do not enjoy the topics of the books given to them. Reading is difficult enough for young learners, and it can be made tiresome if they feel forced to read something they just do not like. You can help push your pupils in the right direction by choosing books that are interesting and exciting to them. Consider polling your students and asking about things that they find fascinating. Then, be sure to stock your library with books relevant to the subjects they like.
Supplement Reading with Manipulatives
Before children can start reading longer passages such as essays and books, they must first learn to master the basics of word and sentence structure. This includes understanding phonics and spelling, which can take years of instruction and practice. Manipulatives are a great way to learn by using various objects for guided and explorative play. Using reading manipulatives can give your students hands-on methods to work through phonics, word families and spelling prior to reading a new book. Consider using these tools to identify key vocabulary words the children will see in the book they are going to read.
Incorporate Dramatics and Art
Reading a new story also pairs well with artistic expression. Drawing pictures of key moments in the narrative can promote the use of critical thinking and creativity. You can use the pictures to outline the plot, describe the main character or depict a child’s favorite part of the book. Acting out the story can be incredibly fun for students and gives them a great chance to explore their expressive sides. Pairing reading with these fun extracurricular activities can add a new layer of enjoyment to something that could seem tedious otherwise. This can also help them get more excited about reading new stories in the future.
Although it may seem difficult at first, reading can become exciting and entertaining for students. Consider using one or more of these ideas to instill a love for reading in your children.
