Many of the attitudes that children form about reading derive from
their relationships with others. One of the most impactful
relationships on children’s reading attitudes is the one they have with
their parents. Studies have shown that children who love reading often
have that love for reading continually nurtured by their parents and
other family members.
So, how do you nurture that love for reading? One is to simply make it
fun. Have family reading times. Ask your children what they're reading?
Tell them about what you are currently reading (This means you actually
have to read yourself). Have a family read-a-thon. Take children on
frequent trips to the library. Go to storytimes at the library, local
bookstores or book fairs. Let children create their own books. Read to
your children. Give books as gifts.
Encouraging positive reading-related interactions with children's peers
is important too, such as informal book conversations with friends or
book clubs. Of course, librarians can play a vital role in nurturing
the love of reading in children. My
booktalk
interview with Cathy Potter on Cultivating a Strong Reading Community at Schools
has a few insights in this area.
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