This story that captures the imagination: the keys to success for a good reading experience

But what are the keys to "successful" reading that will bring a multitude of emotions and memories?

• Enjoyment: Interesting reading requires confidence and mutual enjoyment. Avoid picking up a book that makes you nauseous, because the child will quickly sense your negative emotion, and it may not have the desired impact of having a good time together and discovering the joy of reading.

Dare to create a special atmosphere around reading: build a reading tent, turn off the lights, and use a flashlight to see.

• Discovery: There are many types of reading and many genres of books. In fact, it's always interesting to ask the child what kind of story they like (it's also possible to give a satisfaction rating to the reading we just finished). The story requested may be far from what we would have thought to read at that moment. Rereading the same story is also perfectly fine. In fact, children need several readings to truly assimilate all the information received.

Remember that it's also possible to vary your reading choices. One evening, the child can choose the story they want, and the next day, it's the adult's turn to choose from the family library books. To vary the type of reading, it's also possible to look around you; you'll be impressed by the number of elements you can read with your child (posters in parks, road signs, street names, cereal boxes...). Varying in this way allows the child to discover other genres of reading and build their own understanding of the world.

• Interpretation: Some children may have difficulty staying attentive while reading; so, be imaginative. Dare to interpret characters, change your voice, and your vocal intonations. For example, if the character tells a secret, you can lower your voice and whisper, or conversely, raise your tone if the hero shouts. A little tip: practice your voices before starting to read, you'll feel more at ease.

• The Subject: Since children don't interpret realities in the same way adults do, it's just as important to understand the book's content as it is to read it aloud. Some works might startle you and sometimes make you uncomfortable in front of the child.

I remember the book Pinocchio (such a beautiful story), but it featured bandits wanting to stab the boy, but realizing his body was made of hard wood, they left him alone in the forest with a rope around his neck... Imagine my reaction reading and visualizing these images, and now, try to put on a child's "glasses"...

• Communication: Asking your child questions helps validate their comprehension and stimulates communication: What do you think will happen to the character? What would you have done in the character's place? Count the number of cats on this page!

And why not ask our child to read their favorite book to us? Although they may not be able to read yet, they will be able to tell you what they understand or see within the pages (note: to make the exercise easier, use a book with clear and good-sized images).

• Body Awareness: Although reading can sometimes seem like a moment of relaxation, it's also possible to use this time to get your child moving: Can you walk like a dog? Can you jump as high as the character? This way, a child who has less interest in reading can find some enjoyment in it.

• Lead by Example: As parents, we are our child's first role model. Don't hesitate to read in front of your child or to read aloud what is written on a restaurant menu or in a cookbook, for example. The goal is simple: encourage the child to explore words themselves.

Making a difference only takes a few minutes a day. Use the moments that fit your schedule (before bedtime, in the car, at a restaurant...). Since the key to success is obviously very different for everyone, I invite you, right now, to close your eyes and remember your favorite book... Take the time to recall where you were, the surrounding smells, the weather, the emotions you felt, etc. And now, you are ready to pass on the torch and become a bearer of sensations yourself, and to share that story that will capture your child's imagination. What will be your next read?

To keep track of the books you'd like to discover with your child or to invite them to record the readings they've completed over time, print out this little trick!

MY READING TRACKER

 

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