How to Foster a Love for Reading
I have always enjoyed reading since I was a little girl. I still enjoy it today. Those moments when you get lost in a book and don’t want to go to sleep because you want to continue reading are the absolute best. This love of reading I have is something I want to pass down to my own children. My eldest daughter loves reading. She has gone to sleep with a book in her hand for as long as I can remember and still does it today. My son is now becoming a book hoarder and loves to fall asleep with books in his bed. But he wasn’t always like this. It took some time for him to become interested in reading.
Here’s what we’ve done as parents to foster and encourage a love for reading in our house.
First, you have to read yourself. Your kids need to see you reading. Kids model your behavior so if you want them to pick up a book then you must pick up a book.
Make books easily accessible. Have books at your little one’s fingertips. I keep books in almost every room of my house, including the bathroom. I have baskets of books available and bookshelves that are eye-level for my smaller kiddos. This makes it easy for them to grab and go while creating curiosity and independence.
Read to your children! They will only love reading if you actually read to them. No matter the age you can read to your children. I have recently discovered the love of read-alouds. Pick a chapter book or picture book and just start reading. Your children can be playing on the floor, coloring, or eating lunch, and I can guarantee you they are paying attention.
Don’t be afraid to let them choose the book. If you want a kid to read then let them show you their interests. My eldest loves graphic novels. My toddler likes to read the same book 6 times in a row. Let them guide you and then they will follow when you introduce new things.
Audiobooks count too! We like to listen to books during car rides, at lunch, or while doing chores. The best part are the ones where the person knows how to change their voice to really capture your attention.
Let the books spark conversation. Not every book is going to be a conversation starter but allows your child to really share what they’ve read. Ask open-ended questions to get your little one talking.
Reading should be fun, not something your child should dread doing.
So remember:
Let your child see you reading!
Have books available everywhere.
Actually read to your child!
Introduce read-aloud time.
Let them choose the book.
Listen to some audiobooks together.
Have a conversation!
Reading is fun!
Tell me some of your favorite books your little one likes to read.
Love & light,
Jalesa