9 Ways to Help Children Develop a Love of Reading

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax all you need is a book!” – Dr. Seuss

That’s the wonderful thing about books! Not only do they lay the foundation for your child’s learning and success, but they are also full of wonder and magic. Books ignite a love of reading that will last a lifetime. As a kid, I was obsessed with reading and it took me to places where anything was possible. I could literally spend hours curled up with my favorite book. However, not all children are the same. Some children are born loving books and anything having to do with reading. Then there are children who’d rather ride a bike, run around the entire house and do anything but sit down quietly to read. So, how do you develop a love of reading in your children?

Here a few tips:

1. Let them read what they want – Children are more likely to read when they are given a choice to pick the books they want. So, take their interests into account and give them some control over the books they choose.
2. Provide opportunities that encourage them to read – Books and other reading material should be easily available in any place the child spends time in.
3. Create a safe place to read – Make a comfortable and safe space for your children to read as it boosts their confidence to find the right book and it allows them to share with a reading buddy.
4. Listen as your child reads – Be an avid listener and have your child read to you every day. It will help them perfect their language skills.
5. Allow them to be creative – Let your children have fun while they read and spark their imagination by encouraging them to creatively express what they read.
6. Reading Aloud – One of the most important things that you, as a parent, can do to prepare your child for school and develop a love for reading is to read to them each day.
7. Read your own books in front of your child – Be a model reader as watching you read is the best example for your child to develop good reading habits.
8. Find reading moments in daily life – Don’t just limit reading to sitting down with a good book. Keep an eye out for simple “reading moments” throughout the day like reading grocery labels or road signs.
9. Make reading a part of your daily life – Make reading a regular activity in your home and your kids will learn to love it.

Reading is a powerful key to open the doors to compassion, exploration, and learning. It doesn’t happen automatically, though. Reading should be nurtured until your child flourishes into a well-rounded personality. As Margaret Fuller once said, “Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.”

Did you find these tips useful? What works for you? Please share any tips of your own.