8 Ways To Encourage Reading Habits in Kids

Reading is one of the most fundamental skills children need to learn to be successful.

Not only do good reading skills benefit students academically, they are also a skill required for lifelong success. Reading develops vocabulary, increases attention span, and promotes stronger analytical thinking.

GETTING YOUR CHILD INTERESTED IN READING

The key to encouraging reading habits in kids is reading with them at home from a young age. By reading together often, your child will learn first hand the joys reading can bring, helping him or her develop a motivation to read.

However, every student learns and processes information differently. This means that some children may have a natural love of reading, and some may not.

If your child falls into the second category, don’t fret. As parents, there are many different strategies you can use to motivate your child to read.

First, it’s important to figure out why your child doesn’t like reading.

WHY DOES MY CHILD HATE READING?

Not every child loves to read. Some common reasons children don’t like to read include:

Your child feels like reading is a chore
Your child has difficulty reading
Your child thinks reading is boring
Your child hasn’t found the right book yet
The good news is that when you know why your child doesn’t like to read, you can address the issue and begin to make reading more enjoyable.

By learning to make reading fun, your child is more likely to develop a love of reading, encouraging better reading habits and making learning easier.

8 WAYS TO ENCOURAGE GOOD READING HABITS IN KIDS

Try these 8 easy tips to encourage good reading habits in your child by making reading fun.

1.Make reading a daily habit

From the day your newborn comes home, you can start raising a reader. Babies respond to the soothing rhythm of a voice reading aloud, as well as to being cuddled on a warm lap. If you make reading part of your daily routine, your child is likely to grow up looking forward to it.

2. Read in front of your child.

Whether you love books, magazines, or graphic novels, let your child see you reading. Kids learn from what they observe. If you’re excited about reading, your child is likely to catch your enthusiasm.

3. Create a reading space.

Your reading space doesn’t have to be big or have a lot of bookshelves. It can be a corner of the couch or a chair in the room where your child sleeps. Picking a comfy spot that has enough light and room to keep a book or two can help your child connect reading with coziness and comfort.

4. Take trips to the library.

The library is a great place to explore new books and authors for free. Many libraries also have story hours or other literacy programs for kids. Trips to the library give your child a chance to develop good reading habits and to see other kids doing the same thing.

5. Let your child pick what to read.

That trip to the library can be extra special when you give your child time to look around and explore. Kids are more likely to want to read something they pick out themselves. If you’re concerned about finding the right reading level or topic, give your child a section of books to choose from.

6. Find reading moments in everyday life.

Reading isn’t just about sitting down with a good book. It’s a part of daily life, too. As you go through your day, help your child keep an eye out for “reading moments.” They may be as simple as reading road signs, grocery lists, or recipes.

7. Re-read favorite books.

You might get tired of reading the same story over and over again, but your child may love it. Kids like to spot things they missed the first time in the story or in the pictures. Re-reading also gives them a chance to connect the words they see on the page with the words they hear. Eventually, your child might even start reading the book to you.

8. Learn more about how kids read.

You may not be a teacher, but you are your child’s first teacher. Knowing a little bit about what reading skills to expect at different ages can help you support your child’s reading.

READING SHOULD BE FUN, NOT FRUSTRATING!

Use these tips to get your child interested in reading so he or she can become an even better learner. With a little focus and direction, you can help give your child the reading boost he or she needs.