In today’s digital world, it can be increasingly difficult to get your child away from screens and into books. With so many distractions around them, children are often more interested in playing video games or watching TV than they are in reading. However, there is still a great need for our kids to read if we want them to become successful adults. Reading helps develop essential skills such as literacy, creativity, concentration, and imagination that will help shape their future. Fortunately, there are several ways you can encourage your child to read more regularly – we’ll look at six of the best strategies for doing just that!
1. Make Reading Fun
The best way to get your child to read is to make it fun. Try reading stories together, or find books that match their interests. You can even have them take turns selecting a book from the library or bookstore for family storytime. You can also help your kids narrow down their options by looking at BigLittleReads.com. Seeing which books are best suited to their age and reading level. Make the most out of online reviews and word-of-mouth feedback to help find appropriate titles. For example, the book “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” is ideal for children aged 8-12.
2. Set a Good Example
Children learn best by observing and mimicking their parents’ behaviours, so if they see you reading often, they’ll be more likely to imitate. Try making reading part of your daily routine – whether it be on the bus or before bedtime – to show them that it’s an important activity. Let your child borrow books from your own collection, which will make them feel special and more inclined to open up the pages. For some extra fun, you can even start a book club in your household.
3. Create a Reading Corner
Designate a cosy corner in your home specifically for reading activities – fill it with comfortable cushions, pillows, blankets, and books! This will create a sense of calm and comfort, making it easier for your child to focus on reading. You can even personalize the space with their favourite story characters and author posters to make them feel more at home while they read there. In addition, you can also set aside some time each day for them to read in this spot. Being a part of an established routine will help them become more consistent with their reading habits.
4. Establish Reading Rewards
Creating incentives is a great way to encourage your child to read more often. Offer rewards such as stickers or points that they can redeem for something special, like choosing what movie you watch next or playing an extra hour of video games on the weekend. This will give them the incentive to keep reading even when they don’t want to! Some kids may also respond well to a daily or weekly reading goal, such as reading for 20 minutes each day or reading ten pages in a book each week. Once they reach their goal, they can get a sticker or another small prize.
5. Play Word Games
Word games can help your child become more engaged with reading and build their vocabulary. For younger children, you can play simple games like Hangman or Scrabble Junior. Older kids might enjoy playing word search puzzles or crosswords – these activities make learning fun while also helping them practice their spelling, grammar, and comprehension skills. And you can always find helpful resources online to get started. Scrabble is the best option because it can be played anywhere, even without a board.
6. Make Reading Social
Children love to connect with others, and reading is no exception! Look for opportunities to get your child involved in book clubs or other social activities related to reading that they can participate in either online or in person. This will give them a chance to connect with other readers and have conversations about books together. While they’re at it, they can even share book reviews with their peers to get more ideas for future reads.
By following these six strategies, you can help foster a love of reading in your child. Not only will this give them the skills needed for academic success, but it will also make for some enjoyable family bonding time! The key is to make reading an inviting, fun experience – if your child enjoys it, they’ll be more likely to keep up with it. With the right encouragement and guidance, they can become competent readers that excel in school and beyond.
