7 Tips to Raise Kids Who Love to Read
Photo by Suad Kamardeen on Unsplash
For some kids reading is like pulling teeth. It’s either difficult, boring or they feel more engaged doing other things, like TV or screen time. It’s no surprise that in this day and age a book may not reign high in the charts when there are plenty of alternative activities for children to immerse themselves in.
But as many of us know, reading is crucial in a child’s life and developing a love of reading will prove many lifelong benefits.
Experts say that reading plays a vital role in life, such as, developing vocabulary and language skills, creativity, social and emotional skills, empathy, and confidence. Statistically, children that are avid readers tend to have higher test scores in school and are likely to hold managerial level careers.
While the evidence is clear that reading is extremely beneficial for children, reluctant readers may still have a barrier picking up a book.
Parents looking for ways to foster a love for reading in your children can start by making it a fun and enjoyable activity. Here are 7 tips to get you started.
Find your child’s reading level
Parents should first pay attention to the reading level of your child and whether or not is matches the books they are reading. Books that are too challenging can make it hard for children to engage with and thus discourage your child from continuing to read. If the vocabulary or storyline is not age appropriate it becomes counterproductive to their learning.
Instead, find something that is the correct reading level for your child.
If you’re unsure of your child’s reading level, just ask their teacher. Students are assessed for their reading level at school and teachers can guide you in the right direction when finding the right fit to read at home.
You can also teach your child to use a simple trick called the 5 finger test to figure out if a book is the right level for them.
Once you find their correct reading level, you can start to build their confidence with stories and books that are relevant and engaging.
Let your child choose books
Does your child like superheroes? Creepy crawlers? Princesses? Peek your child’s interest in reading by introducing books about things they love. There’s nothing more satisfying than giving your child the power to make their own choice. So let them take ownership of choosing what to read.
Register your child with a card at your local library and allow your child to explore different genres and seek what interests them. If your child needs help finding the right book, librarians are also a great resource to ask for suggestions.
You can also check out children’s book subscription services. Every month your child receives a box in the mail filled with a selection of books catered to their age level and interests.
Listen to audiobooks
Reading doesn’t always need to happen with a physical paperback book. You can start practicing reading comprehension skills with your child while listening to fun audiobooks at home or in the car. Utilize podcasts for kids, a subscription to Audible, or even tap into read alouds on YouTube. There is a plethora of storytellers and narrators that read in a way that’s captivating for all audiences.
In our family, we almost always turn on an audiobook or children’s story during our car rides together. Apps like Audible have an enormous library of options that are plentiful for toddler age through adulthood. If you have a child that doesn’t yet enjoy reading books, but are great auditory learners this is a great option to start with.
Read aloud with your child
Studies show that parents who regularly read aloud to their children have significant impacts on their child’s vocabulary level, future success in reading, and bonding with their parents.
The next time you pick up a book with your child, make the moment count by being intentional with the time being spent reading. Use silly voices and quirky sound effects to bring your storytelling to life. Pause and ask questions to engage your child.
The true power of reading aloud to your child is how often you do it. Read daily to your child and overtime you will be able to see the benefits. And don’t stop reading to them, even when they are old enough to read on their own, research has shown even teenagers benefit from being read to!
Set up a fun reading corner
Just like there is a space on your couch to watch TV, create a space designated for reading a book. It doesn’t have to be fancy, it just needs to work for your child.
Setting aside a physical space for reading a book communicates the importance of reading as a lifestyle choice. Create a reading corner or nook that is inviting and comfortable for your child to read without distractions.
In our home, we have a space in our loft with spotlights and large pillows on the floor set up right next to our bookshelves. Oftentimes we will find our oldest child sitting in the loft in the morning reading. It’s the perfect place for reading because it's a peaceful spot in the house and she usually is there before anyone else is up.
Choose stories they can relate to
There is something powerful about reading a story that is relatable. Learning happens when children can make connections to real life experiences, and learning is what captivates a child’s attention and piques curiosity.
Many adults assume that reading to children is merely reciting the words on the page, but good storytelling is much more dimensional.
Instead of rushing through your bedtime story routine, take a moment to pause and help your child make connections to what you’re reading. Ask questions or point out parts of the story to engage your child. You can say things like, “she seems a bit nervous about her new school, how do you feel about starting school?” Or “You wear glasses and love to ride your scooter just like the boy in this story–how silly is that!”
Designate a “Reading Time”
With busy schedules, homework, and dinner to take care of, carving out a scheduled time to read could be one of the best things to add to your routine.
Pick a specific time of day designated for reading and choose an appropriate time frame that works for your child. 15 minutes a day is recommended by pediatrician and researcher Dr. John S. Hutton, but you can increase that time frame if you have avid or more mature readers in your home.
This designated “reading time” could be first thing in the morning before breakfast or right before bed. Choose a time that is conducive to your child and be fluid as things change in your schedule.
Parents can even make this a family activity where one parent reads aloud to everyone or if you have older children, grown-ups and children can each grab a book and have a silent “reading time”. Get festive and play some calm music in the background or put out snacks and hot cocoa to make it cozy and fun.
Fostering a love for reading is possible, it just may be one of those things that take time. As research has pointed out, the benefits of reading are definitely worth the time and energy to commit to helping our children. So keep going–you’ve got this!
