48 January 2014 www.womanthismonth.com the ones who are most likely to fulfil their ambitions. If your child reads, they will succeed. It is as simple as that.” We all want the best for our children. So give them your time and encourage them to read, read and read! Reading should never be presented to a child as something which is boring and has to be done like homework or chores. It is essential that reading is viewed as a positive experience. What about children who find reading difficult or boring? Well, unfortunately, not every child is an avid reader and it can be difficult for parents to enthuse those who are more reluctant. Visit childrensbooks.about. com which provides ideas of excellent tried and tested texts for all age groups. If your child is not a keen reader of fictional texts, then it is essential that you find an alternative. Vary reading materials and include such things as poetry, autobiographies, newspapers, comics, magazines and websites, which may be more interesting for the reluctant reader. The main thing is not to turn it into a battle. Turn the television off, put the computer games away and make time to read with your child. Read in a comfortable place. Get them to read to you often. Don’t forget to take books, kindles or iPads on holidays and long journeys. As the English poet and playwright Joseph Addison said: Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. It is essential for a successful life and, after love and security, it is one of the most important gifts a parent can give to their child. Top tips • Make visits to the library and bookshops a regular part of your life. • Show your child how important books really are by having them available at home. • Set aside some time each day to read to or with your child. • Encourage your child to look at a wide range of books, both fiction and non-fiction. • Even before your child can read, encourage them to follow the words on the page with their fingers. • Make sure that your child sees you reading. We agree with the great author CS Lewis. You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough for me. Go and enjoy some reading time with your child. It will be a magical, precious and enjoyable! g Guest writer Caroline Beckett has been Head of English at numerous international schools. Study after study has shown that children who read for pleasure are the ones who are most likely to fulfil their ambitions
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==