Why Is Reading To Your Kids Every Night Important Homework? Teach Your Children How To Read

Reading at home is an important practice while forming a progressive and prosperous family foundation.

The most important thing that your children will ever be exposed to-more than watching television, playing electronic games or utilizing any other form of media -is seeing their parents read.

Whether it be in the form of Newspapers, Books, Bibles, or even Cookbooks, children will watch you and they will subconsciously pick up your discipline.

Here are some of the things that I thought of to use as a basic guide for how to set limits and rules, enforce them, and implement consequences for not being compliant.

Please Comment and share your opinions. Feel free to share with me things that you have tried that work, or things that don't.

Here's what I came up with:

Bedtime is at the established time, sharp! You are to be in your bed by this time.

• Once in bed, stay in bed; do not get up because you “forgot” something.
• Bedtimes can change for a variety in reasons, including getting home later from a function, etc. We will deal with such situations as the time comes.

These are my ideas based on my personal upbringing, input from friends and family, as well as suggestions from professionals in the field.

Feel free to comment and tell me what you think. I find that the practices above work for my family. All families are different, and I would love to know what you do!

This can be developed into a "Contract" with your kids.

All homework must be completed as soon as you get home from school. (You may have a quick snack first, preferably fruit.)

• Before using the television or computer, all homework must be checked and signed off , including your agenda.
• Homework is your priority; your job . It comes before any form of entertainment.
• Everyone will be able to use the computer for up to (2) hours per night, providing all homework is completed.
• All television and computers are to be turned off by the time established within each household.

· Computers, games, and television are not rights; they are privileges and can be taken away as such.

Your ability to maintain these privileges is dependent upon your completion of all other priorities.

Reading before bed relaxes the mind and soul and stimulates your brain. Reading together as a family creates a strong bond that encourages community learning, imagination, self-discipline, and a feeling of accomplishment. Reading before bed can often help clear the mind of the stresses of everyday life and promotes healthy sleep cycles. Reading together as a family creates a strong bond within the household.

Before joining together for nightly reading sessions, everyone should get ready for bed: get into pajamas, brush your teeth, etc.a half hour before the established bedtime.

• Reading will be done every night as a community; we will all read independently, together. On some occasions, perhaps once per week we will take turns reading from the same book. The Bible, Classic Fairy Tales, or any other genre that your family finds common interest in is a great suggestion.
• Reading will begin at the same relative time every night in the family room. This creates the routine.
• Comic books and anime books are not allowed for this reading, although you may choose to read these on your own time. Age appropriate novels and short stories are preferred.
• We will read for at least 20 minutes every night.
• Books must be for your reading level and age.
• For an optional exercise, the following may be introduced regularly, or periodically: You will write your thoughts in a journal for a minimum of 10 minutes. Journal entries must be related to what you have read.