When I say tried and tested, it means we’ve tried it and found the ways very very effective.

In the first place, Why Is Reading Important? 

Reading is essential to learning. Educational researchers have found a direct relationship between reading and academic success. It’s as simple as “kapag marunong magbasa ang mga anak mo, more likely, mas magiging maganda ang performance nila sa school.”

Sabi nga ng isang friend ko, kahit marunong ka sa Math, kung hindi mo kayang basahin ang instruction, hindi mo malalaman kung ano ang isasagot. The same goes with people who does not like Math. They get along with the problems well because they can read and understands it very well. Hindi man sila marunong mag 1+1, kung naiintindihan nila ang problema, alam nila na ang sagot ay 2.

Educational researchers also found that there is a strong relationship between reading and vocabulary knowledge. A child who has an extensive vocabulary are normally good readers. And the best way to gain a large vocabulary is to read and read and read!

Kaya naman, even though my kids are good readers na, I don’t stop in finding ways to encourage them to read more and to really love reading. Ang hiraaap! Specially now that  gadgets are here, there and everywhere. Good thing my best friend is an educator  and she’s been a big help to me. She’s been giving me readings on effective ways to encourage my kids to read more.

Here are the 3 Tried and Tested Ways To Encourage Your Kids To Read More

Read with your kids

When kids are younger, we read books to them. In some of the studies I have read, reading to your kids at an early age is very vital in introducing reading to them. But we shouldn’t stop reading to them just because they already knows how to read. I have found out, specially with my 2 younger kids, that reading to them is a treasured moment for them. I think it’s the fact that they’re sitting very close to me that made them love the idea of reading with mommy. Natutuwa talaga sila when I read to them and I noticed na sila na ang nag i- initiate ng reading time namin.

Read a book and show to your kids that you’re reading a book

This one, my friend has been telling how effective this strategy is, pero lately ko lang napatunayan na indeed it is very effective. Top of the line na payo ito mga inay, kaya sundin nyo.

Kame kase ni husband are not book readers.. or we just don’t have that much time to read a book.. mali!! We have to make time to read (or kahit pretend lang) as we noticed when we read, the kids read too! Napansin ko yan when the husband starts buying work related books and reads it. Hindi naman sya sa harapan mismo ng mga bata nagbabasa but the kids saw him reading the book. Minsan sa labas sya nagbabasa or minsan nakikita lang nila si Daddy nila na hawak ang libro.

The kids, specially my two older boys are now into books! At ngayon, they want to buy books every week! Mahaliaaaaa!

CUE: 3rd way to encourage kids to love reading, pasok! 

Buy books and take advantage of book warehouse sale

That’s the best thing about books! Kahit mukha ng luma, ang laman pa rin sa loob ay ginto! And when it comes to book warehouse sale, isa lang ang inaantay ko at talagang pinupuntahan ko:

The Scholastic Warehouse Book Sale

Here’s my shopping experience last summer warehouse sale: Scholastic Sizzling Summer Sale Experience 2015

I am soooo excited to announce that they will have the most awaited Scholastic Christmas Warehouse Sale 2015 from November 27 to December 23, 2015 from 9am-6pm daily.

Books up to 80% discount and books priced as low as 20 Pesos!

NO idea how to go to Scholastic Christmas Warehouse Sale 2015? Here’s the map where Scholastic Warehouse is located in Pasig: 

Yes, bukas na  ito mga mother!! I’m going there tomorrow syempre and babalitaan ko kayo kung ano anong mga books ang nakasale! I think I might need a van for this shopping trip! haha

The most awaited opening finally has a date!! Mas excited ang mommies for sure! Sooo while most of my friends are present at the presscon happening now at Kidzania Manila, I have the luxury of time to blog about Kidzania Manila’s opening date and ticket prices!

Kidzania Manila will be open to public on August 7, 2015. Kidzania Manila tickets will be available for purchase at their ticket counter also starting on August 7, 2015.

Kidzania Manila tickets are priced as follows:

Babies and Kids below 2 feet are free of charge. Kidzania Manila rate for Children ages 4-14 years old are 1000 for Weekends and National Holidays

Take note that ticket prices for October 8 onwards will be higher, so take advantage of the soft opening prices! Sulit yan lalo if you have 4 kids like me! haha

KIDZANIA MANILA Operating Hours:

Mondays to Thursdays:
9AM to 4PM (1 shift)

Fridays to Sundays (and National Holidays):
9AM to 2PM
3PM to 8PM

Some interesting facts about Kidzania Manila (aside from the fact that it is highly educational and will be beneficial for our kids)

>>>>Kidzania Manila is open for educational field trips. Kidzania can accommodate up to 1500 individuals (kids and adults) per shift. They also welcome occular visit. For more inquiries on Kidzania Manila school visits, please send your request to schools@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>>Kidzania Manila is open for organized birthday parties or celebrations. For your child’s birthday or celebration, you will be able to choose from 5 celebration themes and numerous activity options! For inquiries, please email celebrations@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>>Kidzania welcomes all kids and their staff and facilities can accommodate children with special needs and disabilities. For more information, please email info@kidzania.com.ph.

>>>> Bringing of food is not allowed but you can choose from the variety of food establishments inside Kidzania Manila

And they parking space!! yay!! Ang tagal naman ng August 7!

(all photos and details from Kidzania Manila website and Facebook page)

ABOUT KIDZANIA MANILA:

KidZania Manila is a safe, unique, and interactive environment where children aged 4-14 can discover, explore, and learn about the adult world – in a kid-sized city built just for them!

Educational Entertainment: Education + Entertainment. KidZania Manila provides a dynamic way to help kids learn by taking on exciting role-play activities such as pilots, cooks, artists, firefighters, veterinarians, and even broadcasters.

All activities are reality-based, hands-on, and interactive. Kids also get to wear realistic uniforms and use realistic work tools! Here are some life skills that kids can learn at KidZania.

Real industries. Real experience. In KidZania Manila, each establishment is sponsored by a leading industry partner that provides technical expertise and know-how to each activity. The industry partners help guide the content with real life business practices – making the activities as authentic as possible! Here are the activities kids can do in KidZania Manila!