Parents keep hearing that they should read with their kids. But a parent may think they’re not a good reader. A parent may worry about not being able to pronounce all the words the right way. Or you may think you have to read a whole book. And where are you going to get the right kind of book, anyway?

Relax. “Reading” can mean reading the words on a cereal box, or on signs you pass when you’re out walking. You can even help your kids a lot by looking at the coloured grocery ads with them. Those ads are full of big letters spelling out the names of fruits and vegetables, soup and meat. A little boy in M&M Meats the other day proudly announced to his dad that he had seen the word ‘Desserts’. That’s the kind of reading a parent can encourage anytime.

Lots of kids bring books home from school that are usually at the right level for them. Or ask at Family Place, or at Strong Start, or at the public library. You can take books home for free! If you do have a few moments to sit down together to read, try sitting side by side, like on a couch or propped in bed. Kids love this chance to cuddle up to a parent. And only read as long as it feels good. You don’t have to read a whole book at one time.

The child can read a bit to you, then you read a bit to them – you can pick out just the words you know, and have your child pick out the words they know best. Or you can just talk about the pictures. And chances are your child will have a favourite book that they’ll want you to read over and over again. That’s not just okay; that’s good!

Christmas is coming. One of the biggest gifts you can give your child is to read to them. Give it a try at home where you will be giving your child a gift every time you read with them.

If you’d like to become a more confident reader yourself, contact the Community Literacy Association at Robron Centre. Stop by, or phone 250 923 4918.

Article by Vicki Simmons, Board, CR Community Literacy Association.

Please consider making a donation to this important program through our local partner partners eZABU.com and Wagsta.com.  Donations can be made on line…please click here.  Thank you!