How to Motivate Your Child to Read

By eHow Parenting Editor

Rate: (4 Ratings)

It's never too early to introduce your child to the world of reading. Follow these guidelines, which are based on the recommendations of the America Reads Challenge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Bookstore Gift Certificates
  • Book Bags
  • Bookmarks
  • Library Cards
Step1
Talk with your child about what you're reading: Share interesting newspaper and magazine articles, point out beautiful words from books and introduce new vocabulary.
Step2
Provide a good selection of books for your child so that he or she can always find one of interest.
Step3
Have your child pick out books in addition to the ones you choose.
Step4
Discuss the books with your child as he or she reads them. Ask questions about themes, characters and how the story might relate to real life.
Step5
Help your child build confidence by allowing him or her to reread a book several times.
Step6
Reward your child for reading new books.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 10/1/2007 Let your kids pick their own books. If you choose their books and they don't seem to enjoy reading, they probably find the books you choose boring. Let them find books about things that interest them. They might find great books that you wouldn't even think of.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 7/24/2006 If all else fails, use this as a last resort:

Threaten to take away favorite games or TV time if the child does not read for a time period of your choice each day. For example, tell your child that if he doesn't read for 30 minutes each day he will not be allowed to watch his favorite TV program.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Read the book first. Recommend it to your teen.

If the material is relatively tame, but deals with some adult issues, I feel teens (who are just young adults) will more readily take an interest.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 It's not too difficult to convince a young child to read, but motivating a teen is near impossible. Try encouraging the teen to read books that movies are based off of to compare them. Afterwards, try action, suspense, and fast-paced books.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Start with easy-to-read books. My 5-year-old loves Dr. Seuss and, with help, can read some books from cover to cover. Sure,
some of it is memorized, but the words are repeated so he is learning them and it builds confidence.

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eHow Article: How to Motivate Your Child to Read

eHow Parenting Editor

eHow Parenting Editor

Category: Parenting

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