Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Reading Habits

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills taught to children, and developing good reading habits at a young age is key. As a parent, what can you do to ensure that reading is an enjoyable activity for your children?  We’ve come up with a few tips on ways you can help your child develop healthy reading habits.

Let your child pick the book

It’s no question that a child will be more interested in what they’re reading if they’re the ones who chose it. Whether it be a comic, joke-book, novel, etc. whatever your children pick will likely keep their attention if it initially attracted them. Providing them with the choice in what they want to read will encourage them to look for other materials to read that covers new topics as well.

The goal is to encourage your children to read while associating the activity with a positive experience that appeals to their terms and interests!

Make reading a bonding experience

Reading should be more than just developing skills.  It’s an opportunity for parents to bond with their children.  Furthermore, it’s a great way to show your children that reading is something that you enjoy as well, which will influence a similar experience for them.

Going beyond the act of reading itself, finding a book that you and your child are both interested in can be extremely beneficial. Encouraging a social interaction that comes with reading by bonding over books provides a very positive experience for them. You as a parent act as a key influencer in your child’s behaviors, and by showing that your interests align with theirs, you will encourage them to read and find other books that both of you may bond over once more.

Keep a variety of material to read

When choosing (or letting your child choose) what to read, you don’t have to be limited by reading books or books of certain genres. Allowing your child to read a variety of different reading materials will expose different styles of writing and print which will allow for them to find new interests within the world of reading.

Some great examples are magazines, e-books, comic books, graphic novels, newspapers, and other forms of media. Children are continuously learning as they grow, and providing them with a plethora of reading options to explore will keep their interest in reading. If they gravitate towards one medium, provide more reading materials from that avenue. It keeps them happy as they develop their reading skills.

Another form of media that has become popular are audiobooks. Like reading aloud, audiobooks provide the same benefits by building and enhancing literacy skills while your children use their imagination.

Read and repeat

Ever catch yourself reading the same book you love or even watching the same movie that you enjoy? Well, kids do the same exact thing with books, and it’s totally okay!

By rereading the same material, your child will learn the text and read it with more confidence as time goes on. This also helps your child potentially notice new meanings or details they overlooked during their first read, granting a better understanding of the story. This leads to an exciting and positive experience for your children that will inspire them to try different books.

Ask Questions

In keeping with the theme of bonding over books, strike up a conversation with your child about what they just read. Ask them simple questions that will help their comprehension and understanding of the story, but also, show that you’re interested.

Ask about their opinion about the book, what they like about a certain character, what the summary of the book is, etc. A great question to ask is what they think will happen next. Children are curious, and giving them the opportunity to express that curiosity will excite them to find out what comes next.

Jot a few questions down, take notes on which they respond the most positively to, and make it a fun routine after each session that they read.

While these are just a few tips on how to make reading a positive experience for your child, there are a lot of fun and creative ways out there. Feel free to share some of your ideas and tips on our Instagram and Facebook pages with fellow parents!

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Celebrating 30 Years of Excellence at Century Private School

For three decades, Century Private School has been a cornerstone of quality education, inspiring students from Montessori preschool through high school. Located in Richmond Hill, Ontario, the school opened its doors in 1994 with a mission to provide a holistic, well-rounded education that goes beyond academics. Over the past 30 years, our approach to education has consistently emphasized not only academic excellence but also personal growth, creativity, and a strong sense of community. A Legacy Built on Core Pillars At the heart of Century’s philosophy are three core pillars: Character Education, Leadership, and Community Service. These values are integrated into every aspect of school life, guiding students not only in their academic endeavors but in their personal and social development as well. By nurturing responsible and compassionate leaders, Century prepares its students to excel both within and beyond the classroom. Educational Excellence Century’s enriched curriculum is a blend of the Montessori approach and the Ontario Ministry of Education’s guidelines. It fosters independent, creative thinkers who are equipped with critical thinking skills and global perspectives. The curriculum includes unique programs such as ESL support, STEAM education, and specialized instruction in music, visual arts, and physical education. This balance ensures that students receive a dynamic, personalized education that caters to their strengths and interests. Achievements to Celebrate Over the years, Century has consistently demonstrated academic excellence. Whether it’sstudents excelling in contests like the Waterloo Mathematics Contest or earning prestigious scholarships, the school’s commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity is evident in every achievement. Beyond academics, students are encouraged to engage with their communities, making meaningful contributions through various service initiatives. A Community of Growth Century Private School’s commitment to small class sizes and individualized learning pathways allows each student to receive the support they need to thrive. With dedicated specialist teachers and a strong focus on personal growth, students are given the opportunity to develop academically, socially, and emotionally in a nurturing environment. Looking to the Future As Century Private School celebrates its 30th anniversary, it looks forward to continuing its legacy of excellence. The school remains steadfast in its mission to provide an education that not only prepares students for academic success but also instills in them the values and skills needed to become compassionate leaders in an ever-changing world.   For families seeking a supportive, forward-thinking school, Century Private School stands as a beacon of educational innovation and community engagement.