How to Grow a Bookworm

Books have always played a huge part of my life. As an Air Force brat, books were one consistent thing I had during all the moves every 2-4 years. Every base had a library and I visited it often. Books were all over my bedroom and you could find me with a book often.

As an early childhood educator and homeschool parent, I know the power of books and reading. Reading to children from birth is so important for a child. In the first year to two years, it isn’t really what you are reading as much as how you are reading. You could read a recipe to an infant as long as your tone and inflection is engaging. They are hearing language and learning the rhythm of words.

There are many things adults can do to grow a book worm in their own home (or classroom!)

Be a good example

Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift.

-Charles Schribner, Jr.

Children learn from their caregivers. When an adult in their life reads, they are modeling what to do with a book. Children will see that reading is an enjoyable activity. Seeing an adult reading regularly will encourage a child’s interest in reading and in books.

Read to your child! Don’t just let them see you reading, involve them. Have them choose a book and read together. As you read, point to the words. This will help the child make the connection to the words on the page are the words you say.

Teach how to treat books

For 4 and 5 year old children, talk about the title, author and illustrator. It is important for them to learn that someone thought this story up, drew pictures and made it a books to share! You can encourage them to draw their own stories and you can write as they narrate. This is a pre-writing and pre-reading skill. It allows children to see their own spoken word turned into written words!

Choosing books

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.

Emilie Buchwald