by Victoria Rose Perkins

Created on: March 15, 2011

Children and curiosity are inseparable. Parents want their children to bond with books.  So, what is the secret to bringing the two together to form a lifelong and rewarding friendship? There are a number of subtle secrets that often bring success.  So, let's get right to them.

Ten Tips for Toddlers:

*Toddlers naturally have a shorter attention span.  It is important to respect this.  

*Colors and characters are more attractive to a toddler than content.

*The idea is to build a positive experience, rather than teaching them words right away.

*Choose books that have colorful pictures and words that rhyme.  

*Choose books that have pull-outs or flaps. These help create more interest.

* Stick to one "special" book, to start. Repetition is reliable in reading, it helps memory retention.

*When reading let your voice be distinctive to each character.

*Read with enthusiasm and emotion. Use facial expressions and hand gestures for emphasis.

*Just before nap time and bedtime is a good time to start.  Toddler's energy is winding down.

*Introduce your toddler to the local library.  Most have a special story time program just for tots.

Tips for Tweens:

Tweens have one foot in childhood and the other striving to be a teen. Helping them with any reading school assignments should be first. If homework is lurking in the background, it can diminish any interest in a book.  With tweens it is still easy enough to introduce a new house rule.  One that is short, but sweet.  Twenty minutes a day for family reading time can soon become something the child looks forward to to. 

*Talk to the teacher to see where your child's reading level is at.  Its important to know.

*Introduce an age-appropriate, short funny joke book to spark reading interest.

*Order an age-appropriate girl or guy magazine subscription, using their name.

*Visit the library and show the tween what books you read as a child.

*Whatever non-electronic hobby they have, buy books to help then delve deeper into the subject matter.

*Suggest, to be like a grown up, they start a book of the month club for 3 friends. (Have cookies ready)

*Give a gift wrapped age-appropriate mystery book.  Mystery books usually create curiosity.

Teenagers are the most challenging age group to convince that a book is a good thing.  They are bombarded with school work and the last thing on their list may be personal reading.  Yet, it is never to late to get them interested

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