I’ve always believed in the magic of books. From a young age, I was captivated by them. At just 3 years old, I was so eager to unlock the world of stories that I even shed tears over my inability to read, crying to my mother, “I wish I could read.”
Now, as a children’s author, teacher, and parent, watching my own children fall in love with reading has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. However, in today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, encouraging a love of books isn’t always easy. Whether your child is a reluctant reader or already a bookworm, these eight simple strategies can help foster a lifelong love of reading.
1. Make Reading a Daily Habit
Just like brushing their teeth or eating dinner, reading should be part of your child’s daily routine. Set aside a special time each day to read, whether it’s bedtime, after school, or during breakfast. Even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes, consistency helps make reading a natural part of their life.
2. Let Them Choose Their Books
Children are much more likely to enjoy reading when they have the freedom to choose books that interest them. Visit the library or bookstore together and let them explore. Whether it’s comic books, graphic novels, mysteries, or non-fiction, the key is finding what excites them.
3. Reread Stories Together
We all know kids have a tendency to fixate on one book. And while rereading the same book may drive you crazy, it’s actually good for your little one. Research suggests that reading the same books over and over again benefits kids. Repetitive reading of the same book can increase comprehension, provide comfort and familiarity, as well as boost cognitive and language development.
4. Read Aloud (Even to Older Kids)
Reading aloud isn’t just for toddlers. Studies show that kids benefit from being read to well into their school years. It strengthens their listening skills, builds vocabulary, and keeps them engaged with stories. Plus, it’s a wonderful bonding experience. Choose books slightly above their reading level to introduce new words and concepts. If you choose a book on their reading level, have them help you read for an extra boost in their fluency.
5. Make Books Accessible Everywhere
Keep books in different spots around your home: on the coffee table, in bedrooms, and even in the car. Having books within easy reach encourages spontaneous reading. If they see books as a natural part of their environment, they’ll be more likely to pick one up and explore. In our house, we always have books by our bedsides, in the hallway on the way to our rooms, and in the playroom.
6. Visit Your Local Library
We frequent our local libraries as a family to get books for everyone. Libraries play a vital role in fostering a love of reading and learning in children. Providing free access to a diverse selection of books, libraries encourage curiosity, imagination, and intellectual growth. Regular visits to the library can have a lasting impact on a child’s literacy development and overall educational success. Plus, it’s free to check out books! Most libraries also have story times and other free activities that can help foster a love of reading.
7. Be a Reading Role Model
Children learn by example, and when they see the adults in their lives engaged in reading, they are more likely to develop a love for books themselves. Being a reading role model not only fosters literacy but also instills a lifelong appreciation for learning and curiosity. Let them see you reading for pleasure, whether it’s novels, magazines, or newspapers. Talk about books you love and share interesting stories you’ve read. Your kids will see you as a reader and in turn see themselves as readers. Get excited about what you’re reading and share that with your kids. Children who grow up in homes where reading is valued tend to develop better vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills. By reading in front of them and with them, you provide exposure to new words, ideas, and ways of thinking that support their educational growth.
8. Connect Books to Real-Life Experiences
Help children see the connection between books and the world around them. If you’re visiting an aquarium, read a book about sea creatures. Going on a road trip? Pick out books about the places you’ll visit. Bringing stories to life in this way helps kids engage with books on a deeper level. One strategy I utilize a lot is grabbing books from the library with a focus on my child’s next big development leap. For example, when we decided it was time for our child to stop using their pacifier, we found many books about children going through the same challenge. We were able to have conversations about the characters and their experiences before introducing a new life without the pacifier. Some other life events we’ve turned to literature for help with include moving to a new home, my son becoming a big brother, and the death of our beloved pets.
A Lifelong Gift
Since learning to read, I have eagerly devoured books, often finding myself unable to read them fast enough. The joy of discovering new stories, ideas, and perspectives has fueled my lifelong passion for reading, making it an essential and cherished part of my daily life.
Fostering a love of reading isn’t about forcing books on your child; it’s about creating a world where stories are celebrated, explored, and enjoyed. Every child’s reading journey looks different, but with patience and encouragement, they can develop a love for books that lasts a lifetime.
