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But, when creating a new or improved reading culture at home feels like eating an elephant, it’s important to identify bite-sized strategies. Here are 7 starter ideas to put the test:
Make it Routine: Choose a consistent daily time for reading. The time that works best for your family is the perfect time. Popular options are before bed or after school, but you do you. Once you’ve chosen a time, set an alarm on your phone to give you a daily reminder and nudge to follow through.
Tip: Don’t feel pressured into long reading sessions. Start small and grow from there as time and attention spans allow.
Offer a Variety of Books: If your kiddos are fighting reading time, they probably haven’t met the right book yet. Providing diverse genres, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and graphic novels, allows children to explore different storytelling styles and find the books that pique their interest.
Tip: Graphic novels have gotten a bad reputation in the past, but are perfectly legitimate books. If your child is reluctant, give these a shot.
Read Aloud Together: Can I get an amen?! Reading aloud, even to older children, can enhance comprehension skills and make reading more interactive and enjoyable. It changes reading from parental pressure to family connection in a blink! Pretty cool magic trick if you ask me.
Tip: Go big on the voices when you read aloud.
Lead by Example: If you aren’t a book lover personally, this could be tricky. But, the truth is, those little cuties are way more likely to comply with a request for reading if you are walking the walk. If you think books are cool, they probably will too. So, read absolutely anything out in the open (fiction, cookbook, how-to, whatever). Children who see their parents or teachers reading are more likely to view reading as a positive and enjoyable activity.
Tip: You probably read on your phone every day as you scroll. Mention that you are reading as much as possible. I.E. when a child interrupts your phone time, try “give me one minute, please. I’m almost done reading.”
Use Audiobooks and E-books: Digital formats can solve many problems. No time for a reading routine? Run an audiobook in the car while running errands or to school. Child resists books because they aren’t a screen? Use an e-book, now they are a screen. While I’m partial to a paper book in my hands, the benefits of reading all transfer to the digital format of these valuable tools.
Tip: download the Libby app and get free loans of audio and e-books through your local library.
Visit Libraries and Bookstores: If you want your kids to value books and reading, it makes sense to take them to places where books are held in high regard. Regular trips to bookstores and libraries brings excitement, novelty, and even a bit of glamour to the reading proposition. Modern day public libraries welcome children, with interactive children’s areas and engaging programs for children.
Tip: Check out your library’s programs, and register your kids (hello again, Summer Reading). This can really add a sense of adventure to your child’s reading experiences.
Talk it Out: Let your literary exploits prompt exhilarating family discussion. Talking about books with children, allowing them to ask questions, asking questions of your own, and allowing them to share their thoughts fosters engagement and deeper understanding. And you want that, trust me.
Tip: Books are a great way to tackle tough topics with a gentle approach. A book can prompt your child to initiate questions, giving you a chance to answer without making them or you as uncomfortable.
And there you have it. 7 little steps to try to help your children reap the massive benefits of reading habits. Any one of these will set you off on towards home based reading success!
So, which one will you pick to try? Hit reply and tell us!
Warm regards,
Miriam Monette
Co-Founder, White Lake Press
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