Reading is critical to developing so many skills in life. But studies are showing that as people get older, they read less and less. Children specifically are reading even less today than they have in the past. But, you’ll find few who argue that reading isn’t essential for kids. So the question on our mind is, how can we create a strong culture of reading while kids are young?
Why Is Reading Important?
Reading is a skill that, like many, becomes easier the more you do it. But why is reading so important? Well, it turns out, it has a lot of benefits, like helping you expand your thinking, teaching you new words, and helping you improve your concentration. And if you’re a fan of fiction, reading also provides a great way to escape and lose yourself in a completely different world.
Start By Modeling Behavior Yourself
Kids look up to their parents as role models. If they see us constantly glued to our mobile devices, playing games or scrolling through the internet and watching cat videos, then why would they want to pick up a book? Cliche as it sounds, our first tip is to ‘be the change you want to see in the world.’ Become a reader yourself! After all, all of the benefits of reading apply to you too. And if you don’t really enjoy reading, simply start with something small. Building any new muscle, like a love for reading, is a marathon, not a sprint.
“Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.”
Hannah Marie Corbin
Encourage, But Don’t Force Reading
If you want to raise a lifelong reader, encourage your child to read, but don’t force it on them. Incentivizing reading can lead to bad habits and create a ‘check the box’ mindset, where they’re reading for some time to mark something off a list. Instead of saying something like ‘You need to read for a half an hour,’ encourage them to read (maybe while you’re reading too), and let them read for whatever time seems natural and comfortable for them.
Read To Your Kids Every Day
While your kids are young, and honestly, until they ask you to stop, start a habit by reading to them. You can let them pick out whatever book they want, and if they shift books halfway through or keep changing their mind, that’s okay too! As long as they’re actively engaged with you while you’re reading, you’re off to a great start.
Read The Same Book Over and Over
If your child has a favorite book, and they insist that you read it to them over and over again, that’s a great sign! Re-reading the same book will help your child better understand the story, characters, and even the words on the page. (You’ll want to make sure you really love all the books in your house, and if there’s one you can’t see yourself reading over and over again, you might think twice before keeping it.)
There Is A Netflix for Books — Your Library!
Public libraries are a veritable treasure trove of new reading material. Libraries are the ideal way to try out a new book, and if you can’t get into it, you can take it back and check out another. Plus, many libraries have expanded beyond books to include ebooks, video games, movies, and music. Some even include educational take-home kits that are STEM-focused too. One of the best-kept library secrets is something called an interlibrary loan. If you want a specific book, but your library doesn’t have it, chances are the librarian can probably get it from a neighboring library.
Create a Comfy Reading Nook
Few things are more relaxing than curling up with a good book, and creating a cozy place to snuggle up with your little one and read makes reading even more enjoyable. For kids, pillow forts make awesome reading nooks. Even better, involve them in planning out their reading space.
Go Beyond Reading for Young Kids
If your kid has a favorite book, ask them questions related to it. ‘What sound does the sheep make?’ ‘If you had a pet turtle, like Timmy, what would you name it?’ Playing rhyming games and asking questions like ‘What’s another animal that rhymes with a cat and could be in the hat?’ helps build your child’s critical thinking and creativity.
Go Beyond Reading for Older Kids Too
Even if your kids are older, asking them engaging questions about what they’re reading is still valuable. Questions like ‘How would you feel if you were in their shoes?’ or ‘What would you have done differently?’ help your child think critically and develop their perspectives on the world around them. Plus, they’re great conversation starters for even deeper connections.
Realize Your Kids May Like Different Things Than You
Were you a fan of the Hardy Boys? Or maybe the Boxcar Children? As much as we may want to encourage our kids to read some of our favorites, they will likely find their own, and that’s perfectly fine. Encourage kids to explore new ideas and new interests and see what they like. Who knows? You might even find a new favorite too.
Books are a virtually unlimited supply of new adventures for you and your children to explore. It’s never too late to become a reader! Even if you’re starting small, a small start is better than no start at all. But the important thing is, don’t give up. I’ll leave you with a quote from one of my favorite Peloton instructors, which applies here: In the words of the great Hannah Marie Corbin, “Don’t compare your Chapter 1 to someone else’s Chapter 20.” Get out there and start reading!
