Cultivating a Lifelong Love for Reading in Children
In today’s world of screens and digital distractions, fostering a love for reading in children is more important than ever. Reading not only boosts language skills and cognitive development, but also nurtures empathy, imagination, and critical thinking.
At Dolly Children Foundation, we understand the power of books. Through our reading club, we receive books and support from partners and sponsors to ignite a passion for reading in children. We also encourage our team to read and share insights, reinforcing the idea that reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Education also increases a girl’s earning potential. For every additional year of schooling, a girl’s future earnings can rise by up to 20%. This boost in income helps improve not just the girl’s life, but also her family’s economic situation. As more girls are educated, entire communities can experience a cycle of economic improvement and development.
Here are five tips to help children develop a lifelong love for reading, along with some book recommendations for different age groups:
- Start Early
The love of reading begins in infancy. Use board books with vibrant colours and simple illustrations to engage your child from the start. - Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
Design a cosy reading space with comfortable cushions and good lighting. Stock it with a variety of books to spark curiosity. - Read Together
Make reading time special by reading aloud with enthusiasm. Ask questions and engage in discussions to make it interactive and fun. - Make Reading Fun
Use different voices for characters, act out parts of stories, or create crafts based on the books you read. This adds excitement and strengthens comprehension.
5. Explore Different Genres
Expose children to a variety of genres—fantasy, adventure, science, and history—to help them discover their interests and preferences.
Age-Appropriate Book Recommendations:
- Infants (0-2 years): Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
- Toddlers (2-4 years): Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle
- Preschoolers (4-6 years): The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- Early Readers (6-8 years): Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
- Middle-Grade (8-12 years): Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J.K. Rowling
The key is to make reading enjoyable. By creating positive experiences around books, we can help children develop a love for reading that lasts a lifetime.
By Oluwayomi Edun
Author
Dolly Children Foundation
We are inspiring the African child to adopt 21st – century skills through education, capacity building and advocacy programmes.
