Hey there, wonderful parents!
Let’s chat about something super important: getting our kids to love reading.
We all know how magical books can be – opening whole new worlds, expanding vocabulary and helping our kids learn and grow. But, let’s face it, sometimes getting a child to sit down with a book can feel like trying to get them to eat their veggies. So, how can we turn that around? Let’s dive into some fun and easy ways to encourage a love for reading!
Why Is a Love for Reading So Important?
First, let’s talk about why reading is such a big deal. Reading is like a superpower for your child’s brain. It boosts their vocabulary, strengthens their imagination, and helps them develop critical thinking skills. Plus, kids who love to read tend to do better in school and are more likely to become lifelong learners. But it’s not just about academics; reading can be a wonderful escape, a way to relax, and a source of endless entertainment.
Tips to Get Your Child Excited About Reading
The key to getting your child interested in reading is to make it as enjoyable as possible.
- Choose books that match their interests. If they’re into dinosaurs, find books with big, colourful illustrations of T-Rex and triceratops.
- If they love adventure, pick out stories that are packed with action.
The goal is to show them that reading can be just as fun as their favourite game or TV show.
Reading also doesn’t have to be done just with books. Children can read recipes, magazines and shopping lists to remove the ‘stress/anxiety’ that may also come from reading.
Everyone loves a little spot they can call their own, and your child is no different. A great way to encourage a love for reading is to set up a cozy reading nook with soft pillows, a blanket, and a small bookshelf filled with age-appropriate books.
Make it a special place where they can escape with a good book. The more inviting it is, the more likely they’ll want to curl up with a story.
One of the best ways to instil a love for reading is to make it a shared activity. Take turns reading pages or use funny voices for different characters, for example:
- Use a robot voice
- Whisper read
- Talk slowly and loudly
Ask questions about the story to get them engaged. This not only makes reading fun but also creates special bonding time between you and your child.
Give your child the freedom to pick out their own books, whether at the library or the bookstore. When kids have a say in what they’re reading, they’re more likely to be excited about it. Don’t worry if they choose the same book over and over—rereading favourites is part of the fun!
Incorporate Reading into Daily Life
Just as we mentioned above, reading doesn’t have to be limited to books. Your child can read anything and everything—cereal boxes, road signs, grocery lists. Point out words wherever you go and make it a game to find new ones. This helps them see that reading is all around us and can be a part of everyday life.
Fun Activities to Foster a Love for Reading
Book-Themed Craft Projects
After finishing a book, do a craft project related to the story. If you’ve read about a pirate adventure, make a treasure map. If it’s a story about animals, draw or paint their favourite characters. This not only reinforces the story but also helps bring it to life in a hands-on way.
Storytime with Siblings or Friends
Encourage your child to read aloud to a younger sibling, parent, family member or a friend. This boosts their confidence and makes reading a social activity. Plus, they’ll feel proud to share a story they love with someone else.
Library Scavenger Hunt
Turn a trip to the library into a scavenger hunt! Give your child a list of book topics or characters to find. For example, “Find a book with a dragon,” or “Pick a story with a talking animal.” This makes choosing books an exciting adventure.
Create a Book of Memories
Help your child create their own “book of memories” where they can write or draw about their favourite stories. They can include what they liked about each book, draw pictures of the characters, or even write their own short stories inspired by what they’ve read.
You could even start a book club in your family and do a book review each week. The opportunities are truly endless!
