For the love of Reading

Reading has always been one of my greatest pleasures. I've been a bookworm since I was five and long before the ease of clicking the mouse could conjure biographies of Henry VIII and his ill-fated wives, I have read about them in books. I have read accounts of the mysterious disappearances on the infamous Bermuda Triangle, have long wondered what have become of Amelia Earhart and would rank the true identity of Jack the Ripper as one of the world's greatest true-crime mysteries(if it isn't already!). I have been around the world quite a bit by reading books long before technology has made it possible.

Nowadays, though, with all the gadgets and gaming consoles out in the market, it can be pretty daunting to try to wean your kids into picking up books. I find these helpful in getting children interested in books:

Having books around the house is a good start. Keeping beautifully illustrated books of best-loved stories is a major eye candy for very young children. Start them while they're young. Make story book reading a regular time for you and your kids. That way they learn to look forward to reading a new book with you and they'll have happy memories associated with reading and you!

Talk about books with your kids. When they're school-aged and can read books on their own, make talking about the books you and your kids are currently reading part of the daily conversation. I find that sharing your passion for reading rubs into your children and encourages them to continue to read and explore other books.

Reading is a very interesting and useful activity, especially for growing children. It has helped me develop a love for literature and fascination for the world around me. It would make me very happy indeed to pass on my love for books to my children.

Learn more about this author, Maia Chou.
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