I hear many kids say things like: “Reading’s not my thing. I’m a sports guy.” or “I hate reading.” I just don’t believe it. I tend to believe this quote:

“If you don’t like to read, you haven’t found the right book.” J.K. Rowling

Reading is truly delightful. I know. I used to be the kid that didn’t like to read until I learned that I loved magazines and short books. One doesn’t have to devour thick novels to be considered a reader. All one has to do to be a reader is read. Now, I love to read.

I enjoy learning new things. Thus, I read a lot of “how to” books. I’ve learned to be a bee keeper, blogger, mom, and so much more through reading.

Because most of us know the importance and value of reading, how do we make it a tasty treat for our children?

Here are 6 ways to get you started:

  1. Availability

    Dr. Cindy Osman states “solid research shows that just the intervention of having books available to kids, they do better in school.” So, have books available in your home.

    When you come to my house, it is neat and tidy, but there are books, newspapers, and magazines every where. I even have a book shelf in my bedroom filled with books. From the time my children were toddlers, they’ve always had their own book shelf filled with books of their choice. I even gave them books when they took their bath.

    Doing this puts an emphasis on reading. We have magazines in the bathroom and book shelves in about every room. We don’t force reading, we just make reading material available, and it happens.kids that love to read

  2. Read Aloud

    Read aloud to your children every day. Scholastic did a study and learned that children love it when their parents read aloud to them all the way through the teen years. Additionally, they learned that kids love funny books. So find some funny books and get goofy reading aloud. You’ll entice your children to want more.

    Additionally, read magazine articles aloud, poetry, non-fiction, recipes, biographies, and books from all different genres. This will introduce your children to variety so that they can find what they like. I learned that I love true stories like the book Sounder when one of my elementary school teachers read it aloud in class. I was hooked and checked it out from the library to reread. After that, I sought true stories. I became a reader by finding the right books.

  3. Self-Select

    Let your children select their own books. Go to the library once a week and let them choose what they’d like to read. When children choose their own reading materials, they read says research.

  4. Series

Find age appropriate series. I usually read the first book of a series aloud to my children. Then, they are hooked. They seek out the subsequent volumes. Kids like the predictability of the characters in a series. They like getting to know them better and going on adventures with them.reading

 

5.  Let them see you read

The old saying “actions speak louder than words” is true. When you read, your kids want to do it too. You are their number one teacher and role model. When they see you read, you send the message without saying it that reading is fun and important.

 

6.  Comfy space

Provide a comfy space like a reading nook or a chair (their size) with a lamp and books nearby. Create a space like a book nook that beckons them to snuggle up with a book.

I can’t promise that your children will love reading when you do these 6 things, but I can promise that you will make reading an irresistible treat.

What else do you do to entice your kids to read? Did these tips work? I’d love to know.

Let’s make a positive difference~ one word at a time.

♥Pamela

Please share this article with others that you think would benefit from these tips. Also, please ask any questions that you may have about teaching children reading or writing. Leave your questions in the comments. I’ll answer. 🙂

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