.png)
.png)
Written by Kate Brennan at The Reading Doctor, Belper
Kate is a qualified teacher and owner of The Reading Doctor, Belper, a unique tutoring service that supports struggling readers and writers in unlocking their potential.
Recently, a parent asked me for some ideas for Christmas ‘book’ gifts that might help their child (who struggles with reading and never picks up a book by choice). Perhaps you’re in the same boat. Every time you buy them a traditional book, it sits unopened on the bedside table. You really want your child to develop a love of reading but can’t seem to find a way in. So here are some alternative reading ideas for Christmas gifts that just may spark something in your child…
E-Readers
These are an obvious choice (although an expensive initial outlay). They can be tailored to suit your child: funky covers, adaptable backgrounds, varied font size and style (great for children with dyslexia) and ‘read to me’ functions. The ‘thickness’ of a book isn’t obvious, so children won’t be overwhelmed by how long a book is, or embarrassed if they aren’t reading at the same level as their peers.
Audio books
Listening to stories can give children access to books above their reading ability, introducing them to more advanced themes and exposing them to a wider vocabulary. It gives them more opportunities to hear what fluent reading sounds like. You can also combine listening with ‘following along’ in a traditional book or find merchandise that appeals to them. Try subscribing to a site such as listening-books.org or audible.com.
Subscriptions
Why not try physical or online subscriptions to magazines or comics such as dekkocomics.com, thephoenixcomic.co.uk, theweekjunior.co.uk or the ‘good old’ Beano.com. magazine.co.uk which have a wide range of publications to appeal to lots of interests. Children rarely get post these days so the arrival of that month’s subscription can be an event and a way to ‘big up’ a reading opportunity.
Reading nook
If you have space (in your child’s bedroom or elsewhere) why not splash out on some accessories and create a reading ‘nook’: a squashy beanbag, cushions, a bookstand or book shelves, pictures or wall art, fairy lights, a voile canopy hung from the ceiling or even a child’s tepee. Making a designated area just may inspire them to listen to a story or even pick up a book by choice!
Stocking fillers
How about an E-reader stand, a reading timer or a funky reading lamp? Fun bookmarks, reading rulers/trackers or finger pointers are also cheap pressies. They help children guide themselves along the lines when they read or they could follow along while you read to them.
Other ideas
Gifts like jigsaws, puzzle books and Where’s Wally? can have a positive effect on reading ability. What about a craft set that includes cutting, sticking or sewing or a kids recipe book? These will include written instructions which need to be followed. Also consider ball games or any game that requires hand-eye coordination. All these activities can develop children’s eye muscles to help with tracking, can help develop spatial awareness and can improve concentration.
07787 881704
Comments