Raising A Reader!

Does your child LOVE to read? Is it a struggle to get them to open a book? Or does your little fall somewhere in between?
Did you know? "Approximately 2 in 5 Canadian Adults (which equates to approx. 9 Million people) can't read well enough to do everyday tasks", according to policeabc.ca. 
Did you know? "Approximately 32 million adults in the United States can’t read, according to the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy. "- published in The Washington Post
Can you imagine struggling with not being able to read? Can you imagine your child going through life struggling, because they can't read?
I've been told time and time again, by adults and children, that they don't like to read. Honestly, this doesn't surprise me when I hear it and truth be told, as a child, I HATED READING! This is crazy to think, considering reading is a life skill one uses multiple times a day, every day.
J.K. Rowling once said, and I quote, "If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book." I think there's truth in that. However, I also believe that maybe, only a fraction of the issue. I struggled as a child, with the sounding- out and the enunciation of words, and I was too embarrassed to ask what the word was a-loud in class when I knew my peers weren't struggling, as I was. 
For some, maybe reading isn't "fun" because the literary choice is beyond their comprehension. Or possibly, the individual has dyslexia and doesn't have the tools or skill set to conquer this hurdle. 
There are several reasons a person, be it a child or an adult don't like reading. It's my personal belief that if you're aware of your weaknesses, that's where you should focus the majority of your time, which is why I now dedicate a minimum of an hour each day to reading. I'm a keen reader now, but that was established over time, pushing myself to read when it wasn't something I enjoyed doing. 
Now that I'm "grown-up," I love to read. Maybe it has something to do with having a better understanding of my interests and a better understanding of myself; having a defined moral compass and a firm grasp of my values in life, which for me directly corollate with my interests. Or, maybe it's because I pushed myself and subjugated the literary interferences I encountered in my childhood. Perhaps it's a combination of everything mentioned above.
In any case, where I'm going with this ramble is, if you only do what you know your "good" at, and you always choose to stay in your comfort zone, those boundaries you choose to live within will hinder you from breaking down barriers, ultimately prohibiting you from reaching your full potential. 
As a parent, it's your responsibility to ensure that your child receives the education & life skills required to one day be an independent and self-reliant individual. 
Which leads me to the following few tips that may aid in encouraging your little(s) to read:
 
No.1 
Make time for reading.
If your child has a busy schedule and reading is squeezed between their various other activities, reading may seem like an unwelcome chore. Allow reading to be an enjoyable and relaxing time.
 
No.2
Ensure the book of choice isn't beyond your child's reading ability.
There may be an interest in the reading material; however, if the book is difficult for them to read, your child may lose motivation.
 
No.3
Create a comfortable reading space.
A comfy, designated reading space may be all the motivation your child needs to settle down and read a good book!
 
No.4
Diversify your child's reading material.
Children are often inclined to read fictional books, but there are many other genres to consider: how-to books, biographies, & graphic novels are lovely non-fictional options. 
 
No.5
Ensure that your child has access to books.
Visit your public or school library. Build your very own home library. Having books accessible to your child at any time means never missing an opportunity for them to read. 
"Oh... what will I Be?"
and my next children's book that will be published later this year, 
"Unlikely Friends- Encouraging Friendship, Diversity & Anti- Bullying"
are beautifully illustrated, easy to read children's books & a great place to start your little's reading adventures!

That's all for now!
Remember, to think like a proton; always positive!
​-CJ