How to Read More
Busting the Myths that Stop Us from Reading!
We believe that reading is an amazing experience for kids and adults alike. Did you know that reading for just 6 minutes a day can help us feel less stressed and happier? Amazing, right?
So why do we and our little ones sometimes decide that reading is boring and choose to grab some screen time instead? Is it all in our minds? There are some myths about reading that might stop us from enjoying the experience fully… even worse, sometimes we think we are not good at it. Storytime is here to encourage you to read MORE, to read for fun… and we believe everyone is really good at it already!
Myth #1: “There’s a ‘right way’ to read”
The Truth:
Actually, there’s no wrong way to read. Comics, magazines, audiobooks, or novels – it all counts! There’s a saying “We read to know we’re not alone.” And it’s true… a good story is great company! Whether it makes us laugh, cry or think, every story has value. Your kids should try different types of books, like adventure stories, funny poems, or even non-fiction about animals…fiction and non-fiction. See what works best for them and see how in no time, they will find many endearing adventures. It’s never about reading big book, classic stories or even a particular genre. Sometimes what catches out attention is really unexpected… but might make you discover a new hobby or interest.
Myth #2: “Audiobooks don’t count”
The Truth:
Listening to a story still counts as ‘reading’. Our brains understand stories, whether we hear them or read them and both ways are brilliant (You can also listen and hear along!). Lots of kids love audiobooks – stats say that about 30% of young readers now use them! Why not suggest that they listen to a story while drawing or lying on the sofa? Having different ways to stories keeps young ones engaged and excited. And sometimes, just before bedtime, it can be a calming activity.
Myth #3: “You have to finish every book you start!”
The Truth:
It’s okay for kids to stop reading a book if they’re not enjoying it. Not every story is for everyone! Encourage them to pick another one. Reading is about having fun, not ticking boxes! Think of reading like exploring. If one path doesn’t work for them, encourage them to try another. The adventure never ends! Still, everything you read teaches you something new… therefore no reading experience is wasted. Even if you find something you do not enjoy!
Myth #4: “Some books are good, and other books are not!”
The Truth:
Reading lots of different books – like funny stories, spooky mysteries or books about space – keeps things interesting and exciting. Why not take your little ones to a library or bookshop and get them to pick a book just because the cover looks cool or because the title makes them curious? They might discover something amazing and it will certainly ignite their imagination!
Quick tips for building reading habits!
• Get your little ones to read for just 5 minutes a day – an easy-peasy way to get started!
• Let kids choose stories that make them excited – keeping it fun is the key!
• Encourage them to find a reading buddy – sharing books makes them even more committed. Also, friends can enjoy great conversations about the stories they read.
• Why not try reading in new places, like in a cosy chair, under a tree or in a pillow fort?
• Books are great gifts – and you can get more of your friends and family reading too!
• Pick up a subscription! Receiving new material regularly helps to create a reading habit and keeps things exciting and varied.
So, we hope we helped you inspired to start. A short story, a funny story and even a line or two can go a long way to! Books are like magic doors to different worlds. Whether you read one page or a hundred, what matters is having fun and enjoying the adventure.