How to Encourage a Love of Reading in Your Kids: Tips from a Former Middle School English Teacher
As a former middle school English teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be to foster a love of reading in students who struggle with it. Many of my students came into seventh grade two to three reading levels below grade level, and some even read at a first-grade level without an IEP or supports in place. The narrative of hating reading was all too common. However, with the right approach and a bit of creativity, you can help your children develop a passion for books, no matter their age or reading level.
Why Reading Matters
Reading is fundamental to a child’s development. It enhances vocabulary, improves concentration, and fosters creativity. Beyond academic benefits, reading can be a source of joy and relaxation. Encouraging your kids to read helps them develop these skills while also giving them a hobby they can enjoy for life.
Tips for Encouraging a Love of Reading
1. Make Reading a Part of the Daily Routine:
Incorporate reading into your daily schedule. For younger children, like my toddler, I read three books each night before bed. We also read to the baby together almost every day. My toddler picks out books for her, and it’s a wonderful bonding activity. Seeing your children enjoy reading from a young age can set a positive tone for their future relationship with books.
2. Create a Reading-Friendly Environment:
You don’t need a fancy reading nook to create a welcoming environment for reading. A cozy spot with good lighting and a few cushions can make a big difference. Keep books accessible in various parts of the house so kids can easily pick one up whenever they feel like it. A small bookshelf in the living room or a basket of books near their favorite chair can do wonders.
3. Be a Reading Role Model:
Children learn by example. Let your kids see you reading, whether it’s a book, magazine, or even a recipe. Share what you’re reading with them and show enthusiasm for the stories you enjoy. Your excitement will be contagious. Discuss your favorite books and characters with them to spark their interest and encourage discussions about what they’re reading. They hear when you say that you don’t like reading or that they “just aren’t good at it”, “they’ve always struggled” or they’re “more of a math kid”. This creates a very fixed mindset and expectation of no need to try.
4. Visit the Library Regularly:
Make trips to the library a fun and regular outing. Allow your kids to explore different genres and pick out books that interest them. Libraries often have reading programs and events that can further spark their interest in books. Get them their own library card and let them check out books independently to build a sense of responsibility and excitement. Also, check out your local library for read aloud times, this can be a great, free way to kill a little time and engage their mind on those long rainy days.
5. Offer a Variety of Reading Materials:
Kids can get bored if they’re limited to just one type of book. Offer a variety of reading materials, including comics, books with sounds, magazines, and audiobooks. There are a lot of storytelling apps and items to utilize, like the Toniebox is a huge favorite right now. Low maintenance, super engaging, and none of the guilt. Plus they tend to have you kid’s favorite characters and stories with a huge range of options. This keeps reading exciting and allows them to explore different ways of storytelling.
6. Encourage Reading Aloud:
Reading aloud can be a fun and interactive way to enjoy books. Take turns reading to each other, or have older siblings read to younger ones. It improves reading skills and helps build confidence. Acting out scenes or using different voices for characters can make the experience more engaging and entertaining.
7. Connect Books to Their Interests:
Find books that align with your child’s interests. Whether they’re into dinosaurs, space, or fairy tales, there’s a book out there that will capture their imagination. This makes reading more relevant and enjoyable for them. Use their hobbies and passions as a guide to select books that they’ll be excited to dive into.
8. Use Technology Wisely:
Incorporate technology into their reading habits in a balanced way. E-readers and educational apps can be a great addition to traditional books. The Kindle Kids Edition is a fantastic tool designed specifically for young readers, offering a wide range of books and interactive features, and I already mentioned the Toniesbox, which is always a win. Ensure that screen time includes educational content that promotes reading.
9. Reward Reading:
Create a reward system to encourage reading. This could be as simple as a sticker chart or a small treat for every book they finish. Celebrate their reading achievements to keep them motivated. Rewards can also include extra reading time, a special outing to a unique place to read or library, or a new book to add to their collection.
10. Make Reading Fun:
Keep reading light and enjoyable. Avoid turning it into a chore or a forced activity. Let them choose what they want to read and follow their pace. The goal is to make reading a pleasurable experience. Organize reading challenges, themed reading nights, or book-related crafts and activities to make the process more interactive and enjoyable.
Tips for Parents of Teens and Preteens
1. Diversify Reading Materials:
Encourage your older kids to explore a variety of genres and formats. Manga, graphic novels, and comic book versions of the classics can make reading more appealing. Consider introducing them to classic stories in a new format, such as Manga Classics: Romeo and Juliet or The City of Ember: The Graphic Novel. Sometimes the permission to do something out of the ordinary is a little mind blowing and feels like a loop hole, which teens love to feel like they’re breaking the expectations.
2. Incorporate Writing:
Writing can be an entry to reading. Kids often tap into something creative that comes out in writing. Poetry, for instance, was always a shocking (to them) class favorite in my classroom. Encourage them to write about topics they love, which can naturally lead to reading more about those subjects.
3. Drop the Reading Level:
If your child is struggling, it’s okay to drop the reading level. Find an entry book about a favorite topic, like football or gaming. This lets them know that reading can be enjoyable. Avoid books with movies or shows, as this tends to be an avoidance method.
4. Focus on Interests:
Use their hobbies and interests as a guide to find books they’ll love. Whether it’s sports, gaming, or animals, there’s something out there for everyone. This approach makes reading feel less like a chore and more like an extension of what they already enjoy.
5. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere:
Make reading a relaxed and enjoyable activity. Don’t force it; instead, create opportunities for reading to happen naturally. Whether it’s during a car ride, before bed, or a quiet afternoon, find times when your child is most receptive. Teens are rebellious creatures, give them a little space and leave a book or two around to let them find it as their idea.
My Story
I know how challenging it can be to find time for everything, including reading. By incorporating these tips into our daily routine, I’ve seen a significant increase in my kids’ interest in books. We make regular trips to the library, have cozy reading times before bed, and share our favorite stories. It’s become a cherished part of our day and has helped my kids develop a genuine love for reading.
That being said, I know my babies are young and reading is an easy joy for the little ones. This isn’t lost on me. I lived 12 and 13 year olds the last decade and I know it’s far from as easy as it sounds. I have have to find way more tips for the older ones than the younger ones for a reason, here’s just a great place to start.
Conclusion
Encouraging a love of reading in your kids doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. By making reading a fun and regular part of your family’s routine, you can help your children discover the joy of books. Remember, the goal is to create positive reading experiences that will last a lifetime. Happy reading!
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