Reading is one of the most important skills a child can learn.
If you’re a parent wanting to make reading fun for your child, you’ve come to the right place!
Reading helps children develop their cognitive and language abilities. More than that, however, reading opens new opportunities, teaches important life lessons, and can provide endless entertainment. However, the technical skill of reading is not the same as a passion for reading.
Children need both!
One of the best ways to ensure they develop a love of reading is to encourage them to read books. But how can you get your child interested in books so that reading doesn’t become a chore? What if they aren’t interested?
1. Find The Right Books
Finding books that your child loves can be a real challenge. With so many books out there, it can be difficult to know what to pick.
Here are a few strategies you can use to ensure that your child will enjoy the books they are reading.
Ask for recommendations
You’re not the first person to go hunting for that perfect book. Rather than do all the work yourself, use others’ experience and expertise to your advantage. From teachers, librarians, bookstore staff, and other families, there is a variety of knowledgeable sources available. You can find my recommendations for some of the best books here.
Don’t be afraid to explore different genres
If your child isn’t interested in reading then perhaps they just haven’t found the right book yet. Do they really hate reading? Or do they just have specific tastes? Many kids are picky eaters. Well, some kids are picky readers. Try different options. Books not only come in many different genres but mediums as well. There are novels, short stories, graphic novels, books on tape, and more. Experiment and when they find something they like, stick with it. Eventually, they’ll branch out when they’re ready.
Allow your child to have some input
Ask them what kind of books they like and find out what their favorite characters and topics are. This way, you can get a better idea of what type of books will capture their attention and interest. You can also look for books that are related to the topics that your child is already interested in, such as science, sports, or animals.
Use technology to your advantage
There are numerous websites and apps that can help you find books that match your child’s interests. For example, Read Aloud Revival features book lists as well as a simple quiz for personalized recommendations. They also have a podcast. Goodreads is a great resource featuring countless book reviews from readers. Common Sense Media provides age-based ratings and reviews of all sorts of media including books. Use the Libby app to borrow digital content from your local library.
2. Make Reading Fun
Making reading a positive experience requires more than just finding the right book. Here are some tips on how to make reading fun for children.
Read aloud to them
Reading aloud is one of the best ways to engage children with stories and books. Choose books that both you and your children enjoy. As they get older and learn to read, you can take turns reading. This is a great bonding activity.
Create a cozy reading corner
A cozy reading corner is a great way to encourage children to read. Make sure to pick a spot that is comfortable and quiet. Put some colorful cushions, a lamp, and a bookshelf in to make it more inviting.
Let them choose their own books
Give children the autonomy to choose their own books. Giving your child control over what they read not only makes them feel empowered but will help them find books that interest them and that they can enjoy.
Make reading a game
Or compete in reading challenges. You don’t have to pit your children in a competition against each other, however. Making reading a game where your child competes against themselves can be rewarding and provide an incentive to read. You can set up a reward system and have them compete to read the most books or finish a book the fastest. Filling out bingo cards with fun stickers that can be turned in for prizes once completed can spice up reading time.
3. Make Reading Part of Your Everyday Life
Reading can be an enriching and fulfilling part of everyday life. Make it a part of your routine and eventually it will become a natural occurrence.
Here are some tips to help you make reading a part of your everyday life:
Books aren’t meant to stay on the bookshelf
When I was a kid, my mom would leave books scattered around the house and easily accessible. I would see a cover that would pique my curiosity and start reading. It was an effective and noninvasive way to get me to read and I didn’t even realize what my mom was doing until years later! Put books in highly visible places where your kids can find them: on the coffee table, the car, the couch, their bedroom, or even the bathroom!
Set aside time to read
One of the most important steps to making reading a part of your everyday life is to set aside the time to do it. Choose a time that works best for you, whether it’s first thing in the morning, before bed, or during your lunch break. How ever you do it, make it a priority.
Bring a book everywhere
Make sure to keep a book on hand wherever you go. Keep some favorites in the car or take a book in with you when you go to the dentist. You never know when you’ll have a few extra minutes to read together.
Listen to audiobooks
If you’re short on time, audiobooks are a great way to get some reading in. You can listen to them with your kids while you drive or you just have your hands full.
4. Visit the Library
Make trips to the local library a regular family activity and let your child explore the books and see what they can find.
As parents, we all want our kids to have the best educational opportunities available to them. One of the best resources available is the library. Not only can you find books and other materials to help your children learn, but the library also offers a wealth of educational activities and events.
To get the most out of your library experience with your kids, here are some tips:
Make a plan
Before you go to the library, decide what kind of activities you’d like to do with your kids. Are you looking for books to read together or are you looking for something more interactive and hands-on? Knowing what type of activities you’d like to do will help you make the most of your library visit.
Get familiar with the library’s resources
Many libraries offer a variety of activities and events for kids, such as story times, arts and crafts, and educational programming. Take a few minutes to explore the library’s website and get familiar with what’s available.
Make it fun
Make your library visits something that your kids look forward to by making it an enjoyable experience. Have your kids pick out their own books, or let them explore the library in a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage them to try different genres and explore new topics. Make it fun by playing library-themed games or reading stories together.
5. Be a Role Model
Show your child that you value reading by making it a part of your own routine. As a parent, it is important to be a role model for your child in everything you do. Reading is no different. By setting a good example you encourage your child to read. If you want your child to love books then it’s important that you do too.
Make reading a personal priority
The first step to become a reading role model for your children is to make reading a priority in your own life. Set aside time each day to read, and make sure your children see you doing it. Let them know that you value reading and that it is something you enjoy.
Make reading a way of life
If you follow many of the tips already suggested then you’ll be well on your way to making reading a part of your everyday life. Make reading easily accessible, visit the library or bookstore, and let your children pick out books that interest them. Offer them encouragement and support as they work their way through a book.
Don’t just read books. Talk about them
If you read something that you think will interest your child then share it with them!
You can also discuss what you are reading with your spouse and let your children be a part of the discussion if they show interest.
When your child does read, make sure to talk to them about the story and ask them questions to help them think more deeply about the book. This will help them develop their reading comprehension skills and help them to better understand what they read. It also shows your own interest in them and what they’re reading and can be a time of bonding between you.
Ready to Get Started?
Don’t get overwhelmed when trying to get your child to read.
Though there are lots of things that will help you foster a love of reading in your child, you probably have an instinct about how to do this already.
Think about it: Who knows your child better than you? Who is more passionate about your child’s education? If you’re like most parents, then you’re already the foremost expert on your own child’s reading journey.
Hopefully, this article will help you jumpstart your child’s love of learning but remember: no matter what doubts you may have, no one can do a better job than you!
Dear Uncle Christian,
I like your book The Winter King so far. Grandma is reading is to me. Sincerely, Alex
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