Reading is a very powerful skill and can bring many benefits to your child. It not only sparks their imaginations and helps them to think more creatively. Reading can also develop their language and communication skills, while introducing them to unique ideas. The power of reading is undeniable and transports kids into a whole new world, allowing them to view real-world topics and ideas in a fun and different way. This helps them to see the world from a different point of view and grasp complex thoughts and ideas more easily.
However, due to the popularity of technology with younger generations, it can feel difficult to get children interested and excited about books. Social media, games, fun apps and TV have become distractions that take little ones away from the magic of books. But fortunately, there are many easy and fun ways you can encourage your child to pick up a book and develop a passion for literature.
Start With What They Love
A very effective way to get your kid excited about reading is by starting with choosing books that relate to what they love. These books should reflect their interests, whether they feature an animal they love or the topic of the book highlights their hobbies. Whatever it is, space, superheroes, fairies, pick books that delve into those themes. Children are naturally very curious about new things, and so, when they see a book that showcases all of their passions, they’re going to be excited and curious about it. This helps them to view reading as something fun to do rather than as a chore.
Even picture books for early readers featuring their favourite cartoon characters can be a stepping stone. These books might not be award-winning literature, but they serve an important purpose; they help your child associate books with joy and excitement.
Create a Reading-Friendly Environment
Where a child reads can make a huge difference. This is why it’s vital to create the right environment for your child to focus on reading and not be distracted by things occurring in the house or by screens. Make a reading nook in a quiet area of the home and decorate it with plush furniture, your child’s favourite blanket and stuffed toys and anything else that makes the space cosy and inviting for them. It should be a relaxing activity for your kid. Now, you don’t have to push the boat out and go over the top, the reading space can just be simple and homely. The nook could be a corner in the spare room that has cushions and your child’s favourite books to entice them to use the area. This is enough to make it feel special to them, showing them that it is their space to use for some unwinding time and exploring stories and ideas.
Consistency is also key. Encourage daily reading time, even if it’s just ten minutes before bed or during a quiet moment in the afternoon. Building this into your family’s routine shows your child that reading is a normal and valued part of life.
Make Reading Interactive
Children often respond well to interactive experiences, so finding ways to bring stories to life can be highly effective. Ask your child questions about what they think will happen next or, once you’ve finished a book, let them think creatively by coming up with an alternative ending. Invite them to act out scenes with toys or even family members. You could take this a step further by telling the story as if you’re each character, performing the book to them. Use different voices for various characters and share parts in the book with your child, giving them the chance to play around with voices. You could also let your child take the lead in reading a story or challenge them to memorise a paragraph and perform it!
Audiobooks are another helpful resource to get your child interested in reading and books. This is particularly great for kids who struggle with traditional reading or for young children who can’t read themselves yet. Listening to stories helps develop vocabulary and comprehension and can be enjoyed together during car rides or while doing quiet activities at home.
Let Them See You Reading
Children are natural imitators. When they see parents or older siblings enjoying a book, they’re more likely to want to do the same. You don’t have to read for hours in front of your child, but keeping a book or magazine around, discussing what you’re reading, or even sharing a short poem with them can make a lasting impression.
You can start family reading time with your child. This is where everyone reads their own book or shares one together to help reinforce the idea that reading is for everyone, not just for school. Doing this makes reading become a shared experience that is comforting and enjoyable.
Use Technology to Bring the Story to Life
As children have been raised in the digital age, why not use this to your advantage to get them excited about reading? Your child is more likely to use devices, such as tablets and smartphones, so find things that aid them with reading or get them excited about books. This could be fun videos of stories being read or performed, or even a show that highlights people reading and its benefits. You could also make use of interactive reading apps and games to bring excitement to your child about stories.
Turn Reading into a Celebration
Another way to boost excitement around reading is to turn it into something to celebrate. A small reward for finishing a book or reading regularly might work for some children, but the real magic often lies in making the stories feel real. For instance, after reading a story about Santa Claus and his secret village in the North Pole, you might choose to order a letter from Santa to surprise your child. This instantly makes the story come to life and gives the feeling of magic and happiness around reading to your child. This kind of personal connection transforms reading from a solitary task into an imaginative and memorable experience.
Books can also be tied into other creative activities. After finishing a story, children can draw their favourite scenes, write an alternative ending, or dress up like the characters.
Keep It Accessible and Fun
Above all, you should make sure to keep reading free from pressure to prevent it from feeling like a chore. Children develop at different paces and pushing too hard can backfire. Offer lots of options, encourage choice, and celebrate their efforts rather than focusing solely on the outcomes. Whether your child is flipping through a comic, listening to a fairytale, or sounding out their first sentence, they are on a path toward becoming a confident and curious reader.
Making reading fun is all about creating moments of connection and wonder that children will remember for years to come. This helps them to grow a passion for reading and they associate these wonderful feelings with books. With a little bit of patience, encouragement and creativity, you can nurture a love of reading that will last a lifetime.