8 Ways to Encourage Your Children to Read

Every child is born with a natural curiosity and reading enhances this God-given gift. Even though reading comes easy to some children, it may be more difficult for others. We all are wired differently and pursue different hobbies. However, knowing how important reading is for each life’s success and how deep consequences non-reading brings, we understand that even current non-readers should be encouraged to cultivate good reading habits. [You can find out more about the benefits of reading in Why Read?.]

Let us look at some of the ways you can encourage your children to read:

1. Establish a fixed bed time with an extension for reading.

My mother-in-law was an avid reader and an exceptional writer. It comes as no surprise then that she wanted all of her four children to share her love for books. Even though it is common in a larger family to find children who enjoy reading, it is not common to find ALL of them to be fond of this activity. My mother-in-law succeeded – ALL of her children loved to read more than doing anything else. How did she do it? She had a rule!

The bedtime was set for 8 o’clock. The children were required to be in bed and falling asleep at that time. HOWEVER, if they wanted to read in bed, they could stay up an hour longer. Of course, they decided to stay up! And because there was no other activity allowed, they would read. The more they read, the more they wanted to read. Would your children fall for the same trick?

2. Spend evenings reading together as a family.

Time spent reading together as a family is one of those precious moments your children will remember when they grow up. When they are little, it is so easy to cuddle on the couch and read out loud. When they become older, it is still as rewarding to sit by the fire place, each family member holding their own book. It is even more special to be able to talk about the books each individual reads. It encourages good communication skills and enhances the other family member’s knowledge.

3. Make extra reading mandatory for school.

I have learned that some things in our homeschool become easier if they become a part of a schedule. If you prepare a list of books your child will be required to read during their school year and include their reading in your daily school schedule (for example, after lunch), they will expect it and pretty soon they will even start looking forward to it. Why? Because reading is less demanding than other school subjects.

4. Keep a “diary” of books your child finished reading.

Encourage your child to keep a notebook with the list of books they finished, short reports, pictures, etc.
If your child is technically inclined, have them keep a file on their computer with cover pictures, authors, titles, and short descriptions.
If your child is not a self-motivated reader, keep their record for them and show them every-so-often how much they have read and how much they have learned through their reading. They can also share their list of accomplishments with extended family members.

5. Keep reading materials visible and within reach.

Set up reading baskets with books that may be of your child’s interest in the play and/or resting areas throughout your house. It has been proven that musical instruments that are on a display are much more played and enjoyed rather than the ones that are tucked away in their cases. The same is true about the books.

6. Discuss with your children the books they read.

Enjoy conversations with your children about the books they read as well as books you read. Find time in your busy day to talk about these books. It can be during your meals, drives to the grocery store, or even cuddling in bed before they fall asleep.

7. Visit your local library often.

By visiting your library on regular basis, you will help create a habit in your child’s mind that books are important in life. Make use of your local library programs that encourage children to enjoy reading.

8. Limit electronic usage time.

Do you have set times for using electronics in your house? If not, I strongly encourage you to do so. Use the gained time to create a reading environment for your children. [For more information on how the use of electronics limits concentration for reading and other “non-fleshy” activities, please visit Why Read?.]

While encouraging your children to create good reading habits, keep in mind that children are, for the most part, followers. Set an example for them and read yourself. There are few things more relaxing then putting your feet up and reading a good book. Show your children that reading is important to you. Show them that in the busyness of the day, you consider it important to make time to read.