Make reading fun - use personalized stories

Reading regularly from an early age has enormous benefits for a child throughout childhood and in later life:
* Increased comfort with reading
A comfortable reader is a confident reader. This means that the speed with which something can be read increases (useful for absorbing information, in exams, and also later on in the place of work), and the reader is also more likely to be confident and effective when reading aloud. (Presentations, the school play!)
* Increased word power
Coming in to contact with words more frequently means they are more likely to stick in the reader's mind, improving spelling. Reading often also enhances the chance of encountering new words, and therefore increases the range of the reader's vocabulary
* Increased knowledge
Whether reading for pleasure or for school, college or work, books help to broaden our horizons, increasing the general knowledge of the reader.
So, how can we ensure that our children read, and read regularly?
There is a simple thing to bear in mind to ensure a child wants to read - the child has to enjoy reading!
And how is this achieved, I hear you say?
For a child to enjoy reading, the subject matter must be one that they have some familiarity with and more importantly, that they are interested in.
Now here's the real trick : There is nothing that interests any child more than themselves!
Personalized stories will inspire the child to read and re-read a story, because this will be able to relate directly with the main character. (It is after all, themselves, usually taking part in some adventure akin to the kind of imaginary play the child would normally partake in.)
Even if you are reading a story to an infant or toddler, the repetition of their name will generate interest and excitement in the story which will ensure that they enjoy reading the story themselves when they are older.
There are many personalized stories available to buy over the Internet, ranging in price and quality. Because of the personalized nature of them, they make an ideal gift for special occasions such as birthday's and Christmas presents.
Things that you should consider when looking to buy a personalized story book:
- what level of personalization do you require? (Simply the child's name, or other details too i.e. friends, age etc.)
- does the book promote a positive message?
- how durable is the book?
- what will it cost? (Don't forgot to factor in shipping costs!)
- how long does it take to manufacture? (This can often be the more important factor, particularly if purchasing as a gift.)