From Dr. Seuss to Dostoyevsky: Seven Ways to Hook 'em on Books

Two highlights in a recent paper from the American Psychological Association should open parents’ eyes to the importance of reading to our children. First, the report shows that the ingredients for being a good reader, specifically cognitive and language skills, are learned before children reach school age. Second, it shows that children with poor early reading skills are more likely to repeat a grade in school, charting a course for future academic problems.

Before children enter kindergarten, their learning is entirely directed by parents and caregivers. Only some families have access to the kinds of top-notch pre-K programs that ensure children enter school ready to learn, but every child has access to books thanks to Books from Birth, the public library system, and other community resources.

Books open doors for our kids, but how do we get our kids to open books? Help kids get an early start on reading, and nurture the habit. Here are a few suggestions:

1. From Day One

Have a few books with you in the delivery room, and crack them open. During the first days with your baby, you’ll find time to read quietly together. It’s a great way to begin the attachment process, and defines a reading habit for both of you.

2. Bath, Brush, Books

Young children thrive on predictable routines, so define a bedtime reading plan early and stuck with it. Books will become a special coda to the day, and your child will cherish the ritual.

3. Share the Stage

From the moment your child shows interest, let him join the conversation. For example, describe the pictures in the book and encourage questions. Let your child imagine himself in the story, miming the actions and voicing the dialog. If he’s memorized the text and wants to do the ‘reading’, sit back and enjoy the show.

4. A Minute for a Minute

Does your child love movies? Hatch a bargain with them, giving them a minute of screen time for a minute of book time. Chances are the books will hook them, and they’ll soon be reading for the pure joy of it, and saving Frozen for the grandparents’ house.

5. Extend the Clock

Set two bedtimes, an early one for TV nights and thirty minutes later if she’d rather have a book night. Be consistent with the rule and watch the TV collect dust.

6. Close Encounters of the Word Kind

Make a friendly contest out of recognizing words out in the everyday environment—on road signs and billboards, for example. Challenge your child to use his reading skills to find the right produce as you call out the list. Bonus points if he can find the organic stuff!

7. Be a Reader

Have you noticed how often young kids mimic their parents’ actions? Children tend to exhibit much of the behavior they see in their caregivers, so make time for your own daily reading and watch the behavior rub off on your children.