Reading is an essential aspect of learning for every grade, even for non-literary subjects. Reading opens doors to difficult subjects and can provide fun and entertainment in a simple and organic way. Here are a few methods to help your child have fun with reading, even if he or she doesn’t always look forward to it.
Let your child choose the book
With a bunch of homework on top of hours of school, reading for fun might not seem like the most obvious activity for your child. A simple way to make it an activity to look forward to is to allow your child to choose the reading material. So, even if you think your child is ready to move on from Captain Underpants to Harry Potter, let him choose. When he is ready to enjoy more difficult reading, he will make the next step. Let teachers assign hard readings. Personal reading time should be up to your child.
Additionally, you can make going to the library a fun outing for your kids, giving them the chance to explore new titles and check out their favorites with their own library card.
Read aloud with your kids
When you have fun reading aloud, so will your kids. Using fun voices and actions can boost imagination and draw a connection between reading and fun. It’s a simple way to encourage a fun relationship with books. Asking questions about what they think when you’re done reading will also challenge their listening and retention skills.
Talk about what you like to read
Tell your kids about your favorite books as an adult, and what books you liked to read when you were a kid. Talk about what kind of stories you like and what you like about them. If your child sees you reading and sees that you enjoy it, it will set an example of reading as an enjoyable pastime. Reinforcing a positive relationship with books is key to helping your child develop a love—or at very least, a like—of reading.
Use their current interests to encourage reading
Your kids are already full of ideas and interests. You can help them to explore their interests with books. If your child has a burgeoning interest in Ancient Egypt, for example, help her find a book about it. Show her that books can be sources of both information and enjoyment.
Whether your child is a future literary whiz or not, developing an appreciation of reading at a young age will enable your child to use imagination, develop empathy, and expand his or her vocabulary. High reading comprehension sets the stage for more difficult subjects in the future and can be a basis for future success.