Updated: November 17, 2020
Originally Published: November 20, 2016
There’s something truly delightful about curling up with a warm cup of tea on a rainy afternoon, a cozy couch, and an engaging book. As parents, we want our children to savor that joy, and to do so, they must develop a genuine love for reading.
A passion for reading is closely linked to academic success. The more children read, the more proficient they become, and this proficiency often leads to increased motivation to read further. It’s a beneficial cycle. However, instead of forcing them to sit down with a book (which is rarely effective), there are numerous creative ways to encourage their journey toward becoming avid readers.
Read Aloud
First and foremost, reading aloud to your kids is essential. A 1999 study by the NEA showed that only 53% of children aged 3 to 5 were read to daily—a number that clearly needs improvement, considering various factors like resource availability. But don’t stop at just reading to them; let your little ones read to you as well. Even pre-readers can engage in this by reciting stories they know by heart, which often means you’ve read the same book to them countless times.
Repetitive reading has its perks: it enhances comprehension and provides comfort. Moreover, memorization is a significant benefit, as it enables children to take the reins and read to you, fostering a sense of achievement. As they grow older, encouraging them to read aloud can strengthen family bonds and instill a sense of pride, even if they don’t always show it.
Nurture Memorization
Speaking of memorization, it’s a skill worth nurturing throughout life. Sharing poetry with children can be particularly impactful; reciting poems aloud feels different than simply reading them silently. We strive to help our kids memorize poetry. For instance, when I ask my son, “Liam, recite your favorite poem,” he eagerly begins, “Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though.” Moments like these show how much they cherish poetry, alongside prose.
Organized Bookshelves
Another effective strategy is to maintain tidy and organized bookshelves. When books are neatly arranged and easily accessible, children are more likely to seek out reading materials. We used to let our kids haphazardly place books on the shelves, resulting in a chaotic mess where fewer books were brought to us for reading. Now that we’ve organized the space, my toddler constantly brings me books, especially those about Halloween or curious caterpillars.
Visually Appealing Books
Additionally, consider finding visually appealing books that align with your child’s interests. My kids have a fascination with dinosaurs, making it simple to find beautifully illustrated books that are above their reading level. They love to flip through these books, using them to learn and imagine. Even if they aren’t reading word for word, they’re using these stories as a gateway to creativity and discovery.
The Value of Audiobooks
Don’t overlook the value of audiobooks, either. My children listen to stories on Audible during car rides, and they adore it. We had one book on Greek mythology that was in regular rotation, and months later, my son still connects characters like Achilles to their stories. Audiobooks are a fantastic way to fill otherwise dull time while still engaging your kids with literature, even if they can’t hold the book themselves.
Introduce Classics
Make time for classics like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland, and Lloyd Alexander’s Prydain series. These stories can transport kids to different worlds, allowing them to immerse themselves fully in the narrative. We started reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone to Liam when he was just four years old so he could grasp these cultural references early on. Now, he runs around with a wand, casting spells like “Impedimenta!” It’s heartwarming to see him shout “Expecto Patronum!” at Halloween decorations.
Quality Literature
Strive to introduce quality literature to your children. While it’s essential to balance challenging reads with lighter material, the overarching goal should be to get them excited about substantial books with meaningful themes and emotions.
Ultimately, we must instill a love of reading in our children—whether through audiobooks, Kindles, or the traditional printed page. It’s part of our responsibility as parents and as book lovers. After all, who else will we discuss the latest bestsellers with?
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In summary, there are numerous innovative ways to foster a love of reading in your children, from creating a reading-friendly environment to selecting engaging materials. By encouraging them to explore literature in various forms, we can help them develop a lifelong passion for reading.