How to Encourage Reading

Reading opens up new worlds to your children and gives them a chance to use their imaginations. Television offers easy stimulation, some good and some bad, so encouraging them to read instead of watching television is essential. Good readers become better writers and well rounded individuals. There are so many ways to encourage your child to read, but the best ways always include participation on your part.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Books
• Library card
• Magazines

1. Read out loud to your children. Even older children benefit from hearing you read something interesting in a book or newspaper.
2. Create a reading routine. Set aside a special time and place, maybe a quiet room or in bed before lights out, and read together.
3. Get a library card for your children. Take your children to the library and let them choose the books they want to read.
4. Encourage new interests sparked by reading. Go to the zoo after reading a book about monkeys or elephants.
5. Play reading games on road trips. Take turns finding words that start with each letter of the alphabet on billboards or road signs. This is a fun way to encourage reading and pass the time.
6. Subscribe to a children's magazine. Children are excited when they get mail, and getting a magazine with pictures and activities is even more exciting. They may even dive right into reading it without you.

Tips & Warnings

• Let your children see you read and listen to you talk about books you enjoy. Your children watch you, so be a good example.
• Don't make reading a punishment. Always stay positive about reading.