Get kids to read more by using a subject they love (ie judo) to motivate them. Their passion to know more about judo will have them turning the pages, and reading without even thinking about it.
Books can change your life. The really great (judo) books challenge, and motivate, they bring something to your life, that helps you live it in a more empowering way.
I (Nik Fairbrother) have always read a lot, and I can pinpoint five judo books that changed my life. Not just my judo life, but my whole life. That is the power of reading.
Let’s use judo and let’s make it fun, for starters! What makes kids love these judo books (and judo ebooks) is something I’ve learnt a lot about over the years.
The illustrations play a huge part. Visuals get kids to read more, by drawing a child into the book.
Illustrations bring a book to life, but they also do two very important things:
Here are more facts on visual learning and its benefits.
When pictures are used alongside text, comprehension is increased by 95%.
Judo pictures not only help kids understand the judo techniques easier, but they also help kids connect the words to meaning.
A huge obstacle to get kids to read more is getting past the problem of not understanding what they are reading. Once the words begin to make sense, reading becomes easy and a joy to continue.
Judo pictures help kids understand both the technique and the accompanying text.
Visuals also help us remember what we’ve read. Weeks later, when words you have heard have been forgotten, images remain in our brain. They are easier to recall.
This illustration (below) of O-Uchi-Gari will be far easier to recall in three days time, than the accompanying text.
Studies have shown that information paired with a relevant visual graphic increases retention as much as 65%.
Images help to make learning more permanent. Paired with text, the image helps the reader retain what they have learnt.
Using a subject children love will get kids to read more – so too will your involvement as a parent.
We have lots of kids judo activities on this website for parents to download and use with their children. Most of them are free!
You can even use judo to motivate your children to take interest in learning to speak some Japanese words, with our free ebook to help!
According to reading experts Lexile Framework for Reading talking to your children about the books they read is one of the best ways to support your child’s literacy development. Asking questions is a great way to promote critical thinking and conversation, and get kids to read more.
Here are some judo orientated questions you could use with the Koka Kids judo books.
Visit amazon to see our collection of judo books for kids available as paperbacks or ebooks. Get them reading today!
Are you are a judo coach or do you run a judo club? Get 40 Judo Throws at a special judo club rate. Sign up now.