Reading is an art most Kenyan families have not mastered. Teaching a child to appreciate reading not only promotes academic achievement, but it also opens opportunities for the imagination to soar and for kids to learn about topics beyond their wildest dreams.
With only a few month remaining this year, it’s never too late to help promote children’s literacy with these ideas:
Give books to children
You can find a book on virtually any topic, aimed at nearly every age and reading level. If you’re not sure what a child likes to read, simply choose a book about a topic he or she enjoys, or a favorite fictional character.
Attend events that shine a light on literacy
With the rise on social media, Facebook, Instagram, twitter will always advertise on book events whenever available. Parents ought to take up those opportunities and tag their kids along. If they are kids sponsored events, then parents should drop their children off.
Support organizations working to promote literacy
Many organizations you conduct regular business with may have selected literacy as a cause that they support. There are programs during their anniversaries, provide books and educational resources to underserved communities.
As part of the program, thousands of children’s books will be donated to 10 nonprofit organizations in support of children’s literacy in 2019.
Create traditions around reading
Making books part of family rituals can help instill a love of reading among kids. You might set aside an evening for a reading marathon or read a bedtime story every night.
You can also find creative ways to get young readers involved, such as assigning one child each night to read that day’s mail aloud to the family.
Encourage kids to get hands-on with books
Reading isn’t the only way to appreciate books; kids can get creative and make their own literature, too. Encourage them to write and illustrate their own stories they can share with the family.