While not every grandparent will be able to go camping, play ball or run around like a teenager with their grandchildren, most have the ability to read to little ones and even older children. If you take the time out to make reading together a priority, you will be giving your grandchild an excellent start for the future and you will also create incredible memories for the two of you to share.
Getting started reading with grandchildren is not a very difficult undertaking. There are some tips, however, that can assist you in making the time spent more enjoyable and ultimately more valuable educationally.
Some of the things you might want to take into account as you start this together-time hobby include:
The importance - The true value of reading to a youngster doesn't lie in how great you are at reading out loud or even how entertaining you are; it is found in the time you spend together. It is also found in the assistance you will be giving your grandchild in developing language and pre-reading skills to build on later.
The time to start - It is never too early to pick up books and start reading to a grandchild. Many parents and grandparents start reading out loud to children even when they are still in the womb.
Materials for young children - For very young children, reading just about anything you want out loud can help soothe and comfort them. It can also get them used to your voice and begin helping them get accustomed to hearing different words and sounds used in context. While some grandparents pick up special books for babies, even reading the newspaper aloud can be beneficial at this stage of the game.
Toddlers/ preschoolers - As babies get a little older, you'll want your reading time to not only be fun, but also valuable in an educational sense. Consider books with bright, colorful pictures that can help them start associating images with words. Letter, number, shape and even opposite books can all be very useful. If they are old enough, ask them what types of books they would like you to pick up and read.
Young readers - Even in the preschool years, children can often begin to read, or at least recite out loud. Take turns telling and reading each other stories as a child progresses in ability. Once children are big enough, they can even begin writing or illustrating their own tales to share with you. If you're unsure what books to get for early readers, ask a teacher, librarian or the child's parent for suggestions. Having your own library at home for your grandchildren can be prove to be a real boon as they grow.
Older readers - Reading time doesn't have to end as children get older. In many families, there are traditions of reading classics aloud on special occasions or any occasion. Make it a tradition in your home, for example, to read age-appropriate classics out loud and the memory will last a lifetime.
When you take the time to read to your grandchildren, you instill a love of learning in them at an early age. You can also work together to create memories that will last a lifetime.
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