Ten Tips to Get Children Reading More
by F.P. LaRue
The benefits of children reading are not just significant; they are life-altering. Reading not only
expands children’s vocabulary and literary skills but also paves the way for academic success,
improved comprehension and problem-solving skills, heightened imagination and creativity, and a
more profound sense of empathy and social understanding. These invaluable skills and traits are not
just for the present but will continue to shape and benefit them throughout their lives.
However, The National Council on Teacher Quality reports that more than one-third of fourth-graders
– more than 1.3 million children in the U.S. – cannot read at a basic level. They further report that
children who are not reading at grade level by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of
high school, which leads to compounding issues in adulthood, such as lower lifetime earnings, higher
unemployment, and a higher likelihood of entering the criminal justice system.
In a world filled with distractions and screens that dominate attention, many parents find it challenging
to get their children to read a book. Listed below are ten practical tips for parents to show children that
reading can be fun.
1. Create a Dedicated Reading Space
Find a comforting and relaxing area in your home and set it up as a reading area. Make sure
that there is comfortable seating and good lighting. Let children assist in decorating the area,
perhaps with drawings or pictures of their favorite characters or heroes.
2. Set Aside a Specific Time for Reading
Pick a convenient time and set it aside for reading. Try to keep the same time each day. Make
it part of a routine. Try to get your child to look forward to it. Perhaps save snack time for
reading time. Consider other rewards at the conclusion of reading time. Don’t put pressure on
it, but try to make it fun.
3. Let the Child Choose the Book
Empower children to choose what books they want to read based on their interests and
preferences. Children may be more motivated to read when they choose the subjects. It
fosters a sense of ownership and independence. You can provide some encouragement, but
honor their preference, respecting their individuality and unique interests.
4. Make it Entertaining and Collaborative
Talk to your child about what they are reading. Ask them open-ended questions about what is
going to happen or what they would do if they were the main character. When they finish a
book, chat with them about the characters or their favorite parts of the book. Have them act out
their favorite scenes or draw pictures of their favorite characters.
5. Make Family Visits to Libraries and Bookstores
Parents and children should go to bookstores and the library together. Let children pick out the
books they want. Make sure the children have their own library cards. It will empower them.
Look for book signings and Meet the Author events for authors or genres that the children like.
Get them a signed, personalized book.
6. Encourage Reading Aloud
Reading aloud improves understanding, fluency, and overall language skills. Regularly have
family reading time, where all family members, including parents, take their turn reading aloud.
Incorporate it into family activities: Read movie reviews aloud before or after seeing movies.
Have your child read the rules or instructions when playing a board game or other game. You
can also have family members read aloud at campfires or bonfires.
7. Promote Variety
Encourage children to explore a wide variety of formats and genres, from picture books to
chapter books to graphic novels, comic books, and magazines. Fiction and non-fiction,
mysteries and fantasies – exploring a variety of formats and topics keeps things exciting and
increases the likelihood that they discover something they are passionate about.
8. Have Them Write Their Own Stories
Encourage children to write their own stories. Let them use their imagination and expand their
thinking. As they improve their storytelling skills, they will appreciate other authors’ storytelling.
You can provide them with ideas and suggestions. Encourage them to write about their
experiences or favorite characters, and praise their creativity and effort.
9. Set an Example
Children often mimic the behaviors of those around them. If they see you enjoying reading
books, they will likely follow suit. Sharing your reading experience and discussing the books
you enjoy can further enhance this experience.
10. Be Positive and Patient
Progress is different with every child. Allow your child to embrace reading at their own pace.
Avoid putting pressure on them. Give them positive reinforcement for their achievements,
whether finishing a book or just a chapter. Create a positive, nurturing attitude towards reading,
focusing on the joy and pleasure it brings.
Reading skills are critical to a child’s development; the benefits will last a lifetime. However, there is
no formula for creating a passion for reading for all children. Each child is different, with different
skills, preferences, and rates of progress. Hopefully, with these practical tips and others you may
think of, executed with patience, creativity, and positive support, you can help your child discover that
reading can be fun!
About the Author
F. P. LaRue is the award-winning author of the Scary Shivers Mystery series.
