International Children’s Book Day is celebrated on 2 April every year, inspiring children to pick up a book and get reading!
Account executive and mom to Katleho, Inga Hlatshwayo shares her personal story on the importance of reading.
The first novel I read as a young girl was Cry, the Beloved Country in grade four; and since then, my love for reading grew. Reading makes us understand our surroundings and have perspective on different points. It creates a greater understanding of the world and things that interest you.
Today, let us encourage our kids to read. But, it starts with the parents as they are the initial educators in a child’s life. It’s never too early to start.
Things to do to promote reading in your home:
Start reading
Kids are very impressionable and like imitating everything they see. They will be intrigued and also start reading when they see their parent/guardian doing so.
Read to your child
You don’t need fancy title books, but any book from the library fit for kids, even a magazine.
Encourage reading
Reading creates a better way of communication; it is a way of connecting with your child through words.
Read aloud
Reading aloud helps your little one to develop their speech, confidence and understanding of the world.
Children are fascinated by their surroundings
They will eventually learn to love reading, the sound of words and colourful pictures. Even after children learn to read by themselves, it’s still important for you to read aloud together.
“Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him.” Maya Angelou
