Reading is a vital skill that opens up a work of discovery and opportunities for your child. Reading allows your child to learn anything their heart desires. Reading is no longer a favorite pass time for many children that spend hours a day on electronic devices. When trying to get your child to read it can feel like nothing helps when they have so many other options. You can do several great things to help encourage your child to read.
Set limits on screen time
Screen time can be a sanity saver. I am not saying to give it up entirely but to set reasonable limits. We allow screen time after chores are done and I need a bit of quiet. This allows me to get the kids settled so I can have some quiet. Otherwise, unless it is a particularly rough day I let the kids get bored. This encourages them to get creative tot to entertain themselves or to pick up a book. It is okay to give your child time to be bored.
Set an example for your child.
Spend more time reading where your kids can see you. Often parents choose to read digital books or to read before our kids wake up. While your time reading your bible may be a great moment alone reading should carry on into your day. This will ensure that your child sees you reading.
Kids have a tendency to do what they see their parents doing. This includes pretending to cook and clean which is why children’s kitchen sets are so popular. Let your child see you read and leave books available for them to read.
Buy books that will catch your child’s interest
Every child has different likes, dislikes, and interests. A great way to encourage your child to read is to supply them with a selection of books that play on your child’s personal interests.
Take advantage of all recourses you have at your disposal to keep your child supplies with plenty of great reading material that they will enjoy. Stop by the library, order books online, and take advantage of digital ebooks available to your family. If you own a kindle fire you can get two months of Kindle Unlimited for free.
Have books delivered to your child.
Order fun surprises for your child that they will enjoy off Amazon or Thrift Books. Sign up for surprise book subscriptions for your child using services like Prime Book Box to make books a regular delivery without much extra thought. Something about getting mail with their name on it makes even books a fun surprise.
Create activities to go with books
One thing teachers use to make books interesting is to create crafts and activities to go with books. You can book book-themed crafts like this Dr. Seuss Many Colored Days Activity or printables like this Giraffes Can’t Dance printable pack. For older kids creating projects like making your own fishing hooks from My Side Of The Mountain is a great way to bring the book to life.
Bring reading into everyday life.
Reading is essential for basics like cooking. Having your child help in the kitchen allows them to work on basic reading and math skills in a fun and exciting way. The reward of a fun new cake is worth the effort to practice reading a recipe.
Pull out the games.
Some games are great for working on reading and literacy skills in a fun way that doesn’t feel like school.
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