Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither are readers. And who is instrumental in helping children build a love of reading? Parents, grandparents, and other key adults in children's lives.
For babies and toddlers, reading turns into quality time between the child and the adult. On a lap or nestled in the crook of an arm, a child can bond with the adult who is reading the book to him or her, sharing in the same story experience. They learn to regard reading as a fun and positive activity. Furthermore, they learn sounds and develop language through hearing the adult reading.
For older children, adults can still read aloud to them or the children can read aloud to each other for a shared bonding experience and vocabulary building. It's also essential for children to have reading role models. By that I mean seeing adults read. If they see parents and the other adults in their lives reading, they're going to want to read as well. You can even set up a family reading time when everyone comes to read aloud together or silently to themselves in the same room.
Be sure to let children choose what they want to read, no matter their age. We as adults don't like being forced to read something we don't want and neither do children. I think it goes for everyone that if you want to read something, you're going to do it and it will be a pleasure. Children have reading material chosen for them throughout the school year, so let them enjoy reading whatever they want in the summer. Who cares if it's a comic book, manga, or a magazine? The point is they're READING and having FUN!
The Summer Reading Program (which continues at the library through August 31) may involve a lot of prizes that eventually get lost and forgotten, but the true prize--a love of reading--will always be there, and adults can help with that.
Happy summer reading from the perch.
