How to Raise Kids Who Read

In the world of iPads at dinner tables and 24/7 kids’ channels on TV, it’s becoming more and more rare to find a child who reads—much less one who reads for fun. But recreational reading offers countless benefits to children in many different ways. Reading can help support a child’s cognitive development and education. It teaches them empathy and gives them a greater comprehension of the world around them. Books can shape children into curious and compassionate individuals. Still, it can be difficult to raise a reader in a society that values technology and instant gratification more than the traditional ink and paper form of entertainment. Getting your child to read may feel like a lost cause, but there’s no such thing as a lost cause when it comes to children. Here are some practical and effective tips on how to encourage your kids to read from an early age. 

Read to Them

The best way to encourage children to read is to read to them. Children who are read to have greater attention spans, language skills, and imaginations. It’s important to read to your kid everyday, even if it’s just one board book before bedtime. Read aloud allows kids to experience the excitement and joy of reading before they even learn how to read themselves. By reading to them, you can start fostering a love for books from the earliest age possible. 

Encourage Them 

When your child starts to read independently, make sure to encourage this habit in any way you can. For example, ask them questions about what they are reading or read your own books alongside them. You can even read whatever book your child is reading so that you can talk about it together. Let books be something you and your young one can bond over.

Go on Trips to Bookstores or Libraries

Taking your child on trips to bookstores and libraries is an easy way to expose them to the vast amount of literature out there and gives them more opportunities to be enchanted by books. It’s important to let them pick out their own books sometimes. Not only will they be able to find books you may not have known they were interested in, but they will also cultivate a sense of independence and maturity that many growing children desire. 

Apply Reading to Real Life

Show your child that reading is necessary for all aspects of life. For example, when cooking, ask them to read the recipe to you or when driving, have them read the street signs. You can also write your kid little notes, leaving them around the house to read. In this way, children can explore the practical side to reading as well as the creative. 

Diversify Their Bookshelf

Look for diverse types of books: fiction and nonfiction, books with pictures, comic books, chapter books. If your child gets distracted easily, you can even try having them listen to audiobooks. If they don’t like to read, they just haven't found the right book yet! Also look for books with diverse characters and topics, so that your child can see not only their own lives reflected in stories, but other people’s experience as well. Reading is a great way to learn about other cultures and identities, and will help young children grow a solid foundation of empathy and understanding.  

Allow Reading to Be Fun

In order to raise children who love to read, you want to make reading an enjoyable activity. Don’t force them to read a certain amount of minutes everyday; just as you are not always in the mood for reading, neither will your kid be. Try not to make reading a chore that is rewarded with a treat (e.g. read for thirty minutes and you can watch TV). Rather, the reading in itself is the reward because not only will it be a fun activity, but it will also expand your child’s mind and world. 

Give Them Books That Are Suited to Their Reading Level

Acquiring a new skill can be frustrating, especially one as huge as learning to read. When your child is reading for fun, make sure they have books they can read with minimal hardship. It’s much more pleasant to pick up a story that you can read fluidly and comprehend. If there are five or more words on any page of the book that a child can’t read, that probably means it’s too hard for them. While challenging books can help grow literacy, reading doesn’t always have to be a struggle. 

Set Reading Goals or Keep Book Logs

Children who are interested in numbers and measurements, might enjoy keeping track of how many books they read each week. It can help to see how much progress they make from week to week as they get better and better at reading. It’s encouraging to see concrete evidence of growth for both children and parents. However, if your child seems to be feeling pressure from setting goals or keeping logs, then stay away from these strategies. 

Make a Reading Nook

Give your child a quiet, cozy space to read in with minimal distractions. You and your kid can design a comfortable environment for reading time, specified to your individual preferences. These nooks can be exciting to construct and can make the reading experience more enjoyable for everyone. 

Rolemodel

One of the best ways to raise a reader is to be a reader. You can’t expect your child to spend time reading, if you don’t also read. Of course, all parents are endlessly busy, but in the quiet moments when you can finally take a pause, instead of reaching straight for the phone, pick up a book. You should be able to enjoy reading just as much as your child does. 

The Gift of Reading

Reading is an invaluable skill that will shape your child’s future in an abundance of ways. The greatest gift you can give to your child is a love for reading. Don’t be discouraged if they appear to be reluctant or uninterested in reading. Every child can be a reader with the right encouragement, environment, and plenty of books!