Reading is a gift that brings hope, dreams, and ideas into our world. Sometimes, though, literacy feels like a battle for young readers. If you have a reluctant reader in your house, try these tips to kindle a lifetime love of books.
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- Create a Book Culture
On rainy, cold days, I bring my kids home from school, grab a book, and sit by a lamp to read. Often I am joined by my boys who bring books of their own. While not everyone has the luxury to read every day or to fill bookshelves with books, you can encourage reading and provide books in your home with the resources you have. Helpful tools include the local library, used bookstores, little free libraries, and book programs like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. - Read Out Loud
Reading out loud to your children is one of the best ways to encourage literacy from a young age. Find a way to include reading together in your family routine, whether it’s a book at bedtime or chapter books on a road trip. We read together less now that my kids are older, but they still love family reading time (and often take turns narrating). - Show Interest
I don’t always have time to read all the books my kids are reading, but I treasure the moments I can join them in a conversation about their favorite characters. Take a few minutes to pick up Harry Potter or The Magic Treehouse or whatever your child loves. If you are short on time, read the Wikipedia entry for the plot. Talking about books with your children creates connections that continue into other areas of life and encourages continued reading. - Give Choices
When my kids are in a reading rut, I go to the library and bring home a broad selection of books. Our bookshelf currently displays books about pandas, the periodic table, wizards, World War II, and Garfield. Honestly, many of those books will go back to the library untouched. Sometimes, though, my kids will sift through our shelf and find a new favorite series. - Encourage Passions
Books about Legos and Star Wars were key for my early readers (and you’ve already heard about all those cat books). Whatever my kids loved, I sought out books to support those interests. As a result, reading felt like a natural extension of playtime instead of a boring chore. - Save the Judgment
Does your child choose to read only graphic novels or picture books? Congratulations, you have a reader! Support your child’s choices in reading, no matter the genre or level. All reading supports literacy. (Also, there are some fantastic, top-quality graphic novels out there right now.) - Trust the Process
In today’s educational environment, kindergartners are expected to start reading. However, parents and teachers know that many 5-year-olds just aren’t ready for sight words and chapter books. And that’s okay! Work with your child’s teacher, provide a steady supply of books, and know that — when your child is ready — reading will happen.
- Create a Book Culture
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Good ideas to encourage reading! I agree that reading an actual,book in the presence of your kids as well as with and to your kids is well worth the time as a love of reading isn’t so much taught, as caught.
I know you know, but I’ll add that checking out unabridged audio books of titles that kids are reading is one way to “read” what they are reading when you are pressed for time. After all it’s an easy way to multitask while doing those so engaging tasks such as laundry and weeding! Ha! The public library has audio books on CD, Play Away, download and streaming – all for free.,