In Singapore’s fast-paced education landscape, children are expected to keep up with rigorous curriculums, which often leaves little room for schools to cultivate good reading habits in students. While it is essential for schools to lay the foundation for reading, it is equally crucial for parents to reinforce these skills at home. Good reading habits can help children improve their reading abilities and enable them to thrive in other areas of life.
Here are five ways parents can help cultivate good reading habits in their children, and how to develop your kid’s reading ability for future success:
1. Encourage Reading at Home and on the Go
Make reading a part of your kid’s daily routine by encouraging them to bring a book wherever they go and creating a comfortable reading space at home. Spend time each day reading together and show your child that reading can be a fun and enriching experience.
2. Set a Positive Example
Children learn best by observing the actions of their parents. Let your kid see you reading regularly and talk about the books you’re reading with excitement and enthusiasm. When you’re on a trip or during family day outs, visit a bookshop or library and show your child the joys of discovering new stories and knowledge.
3. Connect Reading with Real Life
Reading should not be seen as a chore, but instead as an opportunity to learn, grow, and expand their understanding of the world. Encourage your child to relate what they’re reading to their own life experiences and talk about how they can apply what they’ve learned. Promote critical thinking and reading comprehension by asking questions and encouraging your kid to reflect on their reading.
4. Create a Rich Reading Environment
Provide your child with access to a wide range of reading materials, including storybooks, magazines, newspapers, and more. Encourage your kid to try different types of books, such as fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and even graphic novels. Keep your child’s reading level and interests in mind when selecting materials to help them find books they will love.
5. Make Weekly Library Visits a Family Tradition
Visiting the library is a great way to foster a love for reading and learning in kids. Allow your child to select their own books, and encourage them to try new genres and authors. Take the time to read together, discuss the stories, and share your thoughts and feelings as you progress through each book. This not only cultivates your child’s reading ability, but also helps create a special bond that can last a lifetime and more.
Cultivate Your Child’s Reading Ability with MindChamps Enrichment
Incorporating these five simple steps into your family’s routine can help cultivate your child’s reading ability and inspire a lifelong love for learning. If you’re looking for additional support or are still unsure about how to best promote good reading habits, consider enrolling your kid in MindChamps’ Reading Enrichment Programme.
With a focus on nurturing and inspiring children, our English reading classes are designed to help your child reach their full potential, with research-backed curriculums providing for interactive reading experiences. You can also sign your kid up for a complimentary literacy assessment to attain a comprehensive and accurate measure of your child’s reading ability. Register today to better understand your child’s learning progress and capabilities with MindChamps Reading Literacy Assessment.