8 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read
For kids who struggle with literacy, reading can quickly be equated with homework, school, and defeat. If you wish to impart the joy of reading to your kids, you’ll need to take it out of the classroom and into your everyday life. Here are some tips for naturally encouraging your kids to crack open a book without making it a chore.
1. READ TO THEM
Perhaps the most obvious suggestion, reading to your kids will lead them to the idea that reading is a fun and worthwhile activity.
2. SURROUND THEM WITH READING MATERIAL
Provoke reading by having lot of books, magazines, and age appropriate graphic novels of varied subjects around the house.
3. USE TECHNOLOGY AS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
Some kids might be more apt to read if they can use an e-reader or tablet. E-readers help level the playing field since they can be tailored to your kids needs, making changes such as increasing font size. There are also plenty of language and reading games to make entry into reading fun.
4. LET THEM PICK THEIR BOOKS
Take your kids to the library and let them go wild. If they pick what looks interesting to them, they’re much more likely to follow through and actually read the books!
5. SHOW INTEREST IN YOUR CHILD’S AND YOUR OWN READING
Make reading a topic at the dinner table. When you ask about your family members’ day, also ask what they’re reading. When you interact with your kid’s friends, instead of complimenting their outfits or asking about school, ask what they have been reading recently.
6. INVEST IN AUDIO BOOKS
Instead of popping on a DVD the minute you get into the minivan, turn on an audio book. There are plenty of top rated audio books for kids read by actors who make the experience interactive and fun. Audio books help introduce kids who can’t read well to the fun of visualizing the world of a book.
7. READ OUTSIDE THE BOX
Aside from traditional reading material, encourage reading by leaving your child notes around the house or in their lunch box. Take it to the next step by writing a short poem on the note; maybe your child will follow suit and write you one back!
8. MAKE A RECORD AND SET GOALS
To track your child’s reading achievements, make a chart to keep track of how many books they read. Choose a challenging but attainable goal, such as reading 10 books, or reading one of each in a variety of genres. Once they reach a goal, celebrate with a simple treat such as a date out with mom and dad or a trip out for ice cream.
Marylynne Schwartz is a mom, wife, newly minted entrepreneur, recovering attorney and community enthusiast. I look forward to sharing my parental musings with you as well as insider tips into making the most of (aka surviving) kid-centric things to do in Chicago.
