Reading is a critical part of learning, but not every child develops a love for it at the same pace. So, what can you do as a parent to build strong reading habits at any age?
Limit technology usage
It’s no secret that modern technology constantly vies for our attention. Whether it be mindless scrolling on social media, endless entertainment from 24-hour streaming services, or constant connectivity through texting, there’s no limit to what we can consume online. Of course, none of these things are wrong in and of themselves, but they can usurp large chunks of time and eventually crowd out reading altogether.
Read with your child
There’s certainly no rule that says you can’t read to or with your children regardless of their age. Children both young and mature enjoy being read to. Even adults like it! (Audio books, anyone?) But beyond the joy of having a story read to you is the connection that’s formed between parent and child. No matter your child’s age, reading together is naturally congenial because it promotes closeness, warmth, and understanding – something that digital media can’t match.
Show them that you enjoy reading (or at least have made it a priority)
Not every child will follow in your footsteps when it comes to reading, but seeing you prioritize reading as both entertainment and a valuable research tool can influence their perceptions and behaviors toward reading.
Create a comfortable reading environment
Make reading a peaceful experience by creating a space that’s warm and inviting, making it easy for your child to relax and immerse themselves in a book.
Establish a routine
Setting aside a specific time for reading each day can gamify the experience for your child. Reading might not be an immediate passion for all children and it can be an acquired taste, but associating reading with achievements–like finishing a chapter, a book, or a series–can help instill a sense of progress and foster a lifelong love for reading.
Take them to the library early and often
Libraries are especially helpful in promoting a love of reading. There’s the freedom of picking out your own book, having to return them to pick out a new one, and, of course, breathing in the smell of books that’s quite memorable and enjoyable. Libraries also have plenty of gamified activities, especially over the summer, for kids to participate in with other children.
Read what they’re reading
Sharing the experience of a book with your child can create lasting and positive memories for the child. It’s less about monitoring their choices and more about connecting over the story, discussing characters, choices, and events while engaging in stimulating discussions about the book’s themes that enhances their understanding and critical thinking skills.
Encouraging research using books
The internet is an incredibly useful tool for quick information, but books are curated with deep research, thoughtfulness, and an intense vetting process that isn’t based on targeted information served by online algorithms. Books are filled with painstaking research, deep thoughts, incredibly imaginative scenes, rich vocabularies, dialects, neologisms, and culture nuances that build empathy and deep understanding. Not to mention, the act of researching information in a book helps with spatial reasoning, retention, and overall comprehension of the material. It also promotes serendipitous experiences through unexpected discoveries rather than fragmented learning through constant hyperlinking.
Of course, these suggestions are just a few ways to make reading more enjoyable for your child. However, a consistent element across all families is the need for perseverance. It’s true that there will be times when a child may not feel like reading. During these moments, it’s important to gently remind ourselves that just as we ensure that a child gets enough sleep by adhering to a bedtime routine, we also nurture reading habits with a similar gentle consistency.