Encouraging Children to Read

Do you wish your kids read more? Lately, my kid has been in a reading rut so I researched some ways to encourage reading at home!

Here is what I found:

Keep books visible and available. When you can, keep your children’s books facing outward so they can see the covers. Place books all over your home and car! Some people like to keep a “basket of books” in each room (even the bathroom!). Pinterest is our best friend when finding creative ways to display children’s books at home.

Write notes to them. Leave little notes around the house, in their lunch box, in the fridge, on the TV remote, just to get them to read a few extra words today.

Keep it fresh. Frequently update your book supply (but keep those favorites available). There is no limit to the number of books you can check out from the library, just be sure you can keep track of all these precious materials.

Pro-Tip: Order a Book Bundle of 20 children’s picture books every month! Then, do a Grab ‘n’ Go pick up! You don’t have to do any of the searching to keep your kid’s book stash fresh and inviting. Once you get home, unpack the books as a family! What a fun monthly activity!

Get comfy and creative. Make a few comfortable “reading nooks” around your home with pillows and blankets. Build a fort to read a story by flashlight. Ask your children to read to their favorite stuffed animals. Bonus points if their favorite animal is a stuffed hedgehog and the story is about a hedgehog (or other matching animal friends, of course)!

Encourage looking at pictures. Not all reading has to be reading the words, pictures and illustrations have a lot of value for children and can spark all sorts of creative ideas and conversations.

Be a role model. Instead of reaching for the TV remote, reach for a book. Children love to mimic what their parents and caregivers do.

Cover of Reading Magic : Why Reading Aloud to Our Children Will Change Their Lives Forever

Show them books are more than stories. Grab a physical cookbook to prepare dinner together. Use an outdoorsy book to go on an adventure. Identify constellations or types of trees with a book. Read a joke book and share some laughs.