Click to listen to the podcast version of Raising Readers: A Parent’s Guide (Created with NotebookLM).
We’ve already discussed the importance of encouraging reading habits early in children. But how to get kids interested in reading is one of the biggest challenges many parents face. If you get it right, you’re rewarded with enhanced cognitive development, improved language skills and creativity. Of course, kids will be kids and will get distracted by anything and everything. If you’re struggling, here are actionable tips for parents to encourage reading in children.
Create a Reading Friendly Environment
To spark a child’s interest in reading, create a cosy, distraction-free reading nook at home. Fill it with age-appropriate books that match their interests, good lighting, and comfortable seating. Rotate the books regularly to keep their curiosity alive and encourage them to explore new stories. This inviting space can make picking up a book an exciting and enjoyable choice.
Let Your Child Choose What They Read
Letting children choose their own books is a powerful way to nurture a love for reading. When kids pick what interests them — be it comics, picture books, or chapter books — they’re more likely to enjoy the experience. Encourage this by visiting libraries or bookstores together. Avoid critiquing their choices, even if the books seem less educational. The key is to spark their interest in reading; once that happens, they’ll naturally explore diverse genres.
Be a Reading Role Model
Children are keen observers and often mimic the behaviours they see in adults. If you want to get kids interested in reading, start by showing them that reading is an enjoyable and valuable activity for you. When your child sees you reading books, magazines, or even newspapers, they’ll be more likely to follow your example.
Incorporate Reading into Everyday Life
Encourage reading by integrating it into daily activities. Have your child read recipes while cooking, road signs on trips, or everyday materials like menus and grocery lists. This shows them that reading is a valuable life skill beyond books.
Reward Reading
Positive reinforcement is a powerful way to encourage children to adopt new habits, including a love for reading. Create a simple reward system, like stickers, extra playtime, or small prizes for completing books or learning new words. Celebrate every accomplishment, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and excitement. Keep rewards modest to avoid tying reading solely to material incentives. Over time, your child will begin to enjoy reading for its own sake, allowing you to gradually phase out the rewards.
Make Reading a Fun Interactive Activity
Reading doesn’t have to be rigid. Making it fun by acting out scenes, using character voices, and asking questions or having them guess what happens next can foster a love for reading in kids. This shared time enhances their reading skills and strengthens the bond between you and them.
Bring Them Books That Connect To Their Interests
Choose books that match your child’s interests—wildlife for animal lovers or space-themed adventures for budding astronauts. When reading connects to their passions, it becomes more engaging, helping them view books as a gateway to explore what they love. Over time, this fosters a deeper appreciation for reading and its power to unlock new knowledge.
From creating a reading-friendly environment to rewarding progress, getting children excited about reading is a journey that requires patience, creativity, and consistency. By following these tips for parents to encourage reading in children, you can help your child develop a lifelong love for books. If you’re looking for books to read with your kids, shop ours HERE.
