Reading is truly the foundation of learning, in childhood and beyond. An increased vocabulary, better listening skills, improved imagination, and refined critical thinking skills are just a few of the benefits children gain from being introduced to a variety of books at a young age.
What can we do, though, when kids don’t find reading to be exciting? If a child hasn’t yet developed a love of reading, it’s because they haven’t found literature that meets their unique needs and expectations. If you’re looking for ideas to help get a child in your life to feel excited about reading, you might find these easy-to-implement suggestions to be useful.
Learn barriers to their love of reading.
Before you work on motivating your child, it helps if you understand why he resists reading in the first place. Your child might find reading to be too hard. You probably wouldn’t choose hard work as a leisure activity, and that’s true for your child, too. If reading is a struggle, they probably won’t find reading interesting or enjoyable. Looking at what barriers they have will help, so you can give them the right education.
Model a love of reading.
Children take cues from adults. When you grow up surrounded by junk food, you like junk food. When you grow up surrounded by books, you like books. Make sure they see you reading, but I also talk to them about the book. Excitedly point out something that reminds you of the story, because you want them to see that books bring you joy, and could bring you joy too.
Set aside regular read-aloud time with your children.
Choose a variety of literature those appeals to your child’s age and interests and spend time reading those books out loud to them. This promotes a love of reading while also strengthening the bond you have with your child. Don’t abandon read-aloud time when your children get older either. No one is too old for a great read-aloud.
Look for a variety of reading material.
Kids often gravitate toward the fiction shelves in the library, but don’t stop there. There are many other genres to consider: joke books, cookbooks, how-to books, graphic novels, and biographies are all great non-fiction possibilities. Children’s magazines can be a great out-of-the-box way to encourage a child to read as well.
Provide access to books.
Does your child have a place to pick up books? Keep books accessible so that when your child decides they want to read, they can grab one easily and quickly. You can use regular trips to your public library or create your own home library. Make sure they have different options.
Start a book series.
If you can match the right child to the right book in a series, the reading habit will grow. One you finish the first book in a series, you automatically crave the next one. Your kid will want to know what happens next. A child’s teacher, a librarian or a bookseller can give advice on popular series.
Bring in technology.
Books are evolving well beyond the printed page. Technology is such an important part of the life of kids today, so e-books are an attractive option. Also, today’s readers are attracted to books that combine print in traditional formats and online. There is so much material we read every day online, like news articles and magazine posts. Get your child use to reading those now. Audio books are another great option for a reluctant reader.
Reread the same books to little ones.
Books advance early language development. At first, kids notice the pictures, then they learn to turn the pages, then they realize the story is the same each time. These are all key pre-reading skills. Books with rhymes are especially beneficial. Rhyming helps with phonemic awareness, or recognizing repetition and sounds. Kids love rhymes because they learn what comes next and can chime in.
Go places with books.
If you’re taking a staycation or leaving home for a vacation, read up on your destination. Where you’d like to go or where you are going can really excite your child. Check out nonfiction reads like fact books and atlases, or fictional stories set in the place to be explored.
Go to the movies.
Reading the book and seeing the movie is a winning combination when it comes to getting kids to reading and talking about books. If there is a movie coming out in theaters, have your children read the book first. Then, you both can go watch the movie and discuss the differences.
Ask questions.
By talking about the books, it will enhance comprehension and enjoyment. It’s no fun to read if you don’t get what’s going on. Ask which characters they like best, what they think will happen next, or what they would do in that situation. It will stimulate conversation and help develop their critical thinking skills. Teach your kids to understand you are reading for meaning.
Reading is such an important activity for intellectual growth, so it’s no question you want your child to have a passion for it. These tips will help your child become motivated to read on their own and share the stories with you. You will find the titles they love.
