Turn Your Kids Into Bookworms: 5 Ways to Encourage Reading For Kids
We are constantly surrounded by so many distracting technological wonders. It’s easy to see how sitting still, reading stationary words on a stationary page would seem archaic to a child.
But before you resort to medieval methods to try to turn your kid into a bookworm, consider trying these 5 ways to encourage reading for kids first.
1. Public Library
Visiting your public library should be an adventure for the whole family! Not only are there engaging programs for children, but they are also a huge resource for just about anything.
Yes, most children are asking Alexa or Google for all the answers these days so it is important to show them where Alexa and Google got all that info. Pay attention and really listen to the questions your kids are asking.
Does she love hummingbirds? I mean, who doesn’t, really? The library will show her what they eat, where they live, and how they pollinate flowers. Has he been begging you for a leopard gecko? Go to the library! Find out as much as possible and encourage falling down rabbit holes.
2. Reading and TV
There are many, many movies out there based on books. Alice in Wonderland is the original incredible rabbit hole to fall down with your child. The movie adaptations do not disappoint either.
J.M Barrie’s, Peter Pan, is an epic and timeless adventure tale for kids to read. Adaptations of this novel have even reached the stages of Broadway in the musical, Finding Neverland.
And so, so many more…
3. Reading and Listening
Listening to and engaging with an audiobook can be just as educational and beneficial for your child as a good material book.
Try swapping a movie on that long car ride out for a funny audiobook. Next time your kid is sick with the sniffles, let them relax to an audiobook of their favorite stories.
4. More Than Books
There are so many educational kids magazines and comic books. Switch it up a bit with an interactive Highlights or Nat Geo Kids Magazine. Nat Geo also has an amazing website that will keep the learning streaming in.
If your child is a visual learner, then they will appreciate the added colorful layers involved to truly make the story come to life that comic books have to offer.
5. Take a Look in the Mirror
Up until about the age of 5, our kids are just mimicking our behavior. How long do you spend reading a day? If the answer is something like ‘do what I say and not as I do’, then you should really consider picking up a book.
It is possible to all sit quietly in the same room reading! Turn off cell phones, play some gentle spa music, whale sounds, movie scores, etc. Grab your kid’s favorite blanket, pillows, stuffed animal or puppy, and curl up together quietly.
Whether you’re reading separate books, the same book, or out loud, take the time to transport yourself and your child into a calming, creative zone.
Taking 5 minutes at the end of this reading session to discuss what was read will also help your child solidify the story in their mind. Also, bonus parenting points for encouraging reading comprehension.
Reading For Kids
Reading is so important to instill a love or at least a habit at a young age. The most important thing is to not become too frustrated if some of these tips don’t work right away. Reading should always be associated with positivity and imagination.
To prevent your child from struggling and becoming frustrated, it is essential to stick to sensible books based on age.
Now if you want to read Mark Twain aloud or The Odyssey, go for it! Especially if your child seems interested. When it comes to reading for kids, if your child is 6, then you should stick to books for 6 years old.
Be patient, listen, and never stop learning from each other.
