Reading is more than simply a tool for success – it is the best way to teach children about the world around them. Books allow children to go places they will never go on their own and meet people they will never encounter in real life. But, what if your child seems resistant towards reading? These ten ways to get kids to love reading will help turn children into lifelong book lovers.
- Read to Them
First, parents must read to their children. As Emilie Buchwald famously said, “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Start when your children are babies by implementing a regular story time, and continue as they grow older.
- Treat Books Like the Magic They Are
Show your children that books are special by explaining how books can take you anywhere you want to go. Discuss how books begin in someone’s imagination. Encourage reading by showing excitement when you read aloud.
- Read Yourself
Children learn by example. If you want your children to read, then they should see you read as well. Allow them to see you with a book in your hand. As they get older, talk to them about the books you are reading.
- Create Home Reading Nooks
Children love forts and hideouts and specially designed spaces. So, you can encourage a love of reading by creating a space in your home for reading. Choose a corner, add some comfortable pillows, and fill the space with books.
- Let Them Read Whatever They Want
If you want your children to love to read, let them read whatever books they want. Do not force them to read the classics you read as a child or even the books you enjoyed as a kid. Instead, let your children read the books that appeal to their unique tastes. You may think Captain Underpants is just plain silly, but your children probably think it is hilarious.
- And Don’t Limit Them to Books
Along those same lines, don’t limit them to books. Books are great, but there are many other types of reading materials available that your child may be more drawn to. For example, let your children read comic books, graphic novels, or magazines.
- Show Them the Joys of Libraries
Kids like to shop for themselves, but parents simply cannot afford to give them money to shop anytime they want to. However, you can get your children library cards, and they can “shop” to their heart’s content.
- Listen to Audiobooks
When you take a family road trip, or you are running errands around time, listen to an audiobook. Auditory listening is a great way to develop comprehension skills. Plus, many audiobooks are dramatized, which helps children see how exciting books can be.
- Let Them Watch the Movie…After They’ve Read the Book
Most movies begin as books, so get your children excited about the movie by reading the book before they see it come to life on the big screen. Then, discuss all the differences between the two.
- Buy Them E-readers and Fill Them Up
E-readers are great ways to encourage your children to love reading. You can fill it up with books and magazines they will love, as well as adding interactive books or reading apps. Today’s libraries also allow you to borrow e-books, so you do not have to worry about this purchase breaking the bank.
As all readers know, books make you feel more connected to the world around you. By applying these ten suggestions, you can turn any child into a reader.
