How to Create a Reading List for Your Kids

Reading is one of the most significant gifts you can offer your kids. Encouraging your children to love to read will help give them lifelong learning skills and a constant resource to learn and grow with. The goal is to find books that your children will want to read, and there are all kinds of resources available to you. Finding quality, fun and engaging books for your kids is easier than you may think, and when you see your child enjoying a book, you will know that it is time well spent.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Discuss reading with your child. Kids usually know what they like to read or what they want to learn about. This can be your guide to finding wonderful books for your child.

2. Ask your public library for book lists. Public libraries have all kinds of resources available to you.

3. Sign up for story time at your public library. Librarians use book lists that they glean from all of their resources. Librarians know what kids are reading and why they are reading particular books. You can utilize book lists that your public library has and learn more about authors and illustrators.

4. Attend story time at your child’s school. Your school librarian or reading coach can give you wonderful suggestions on reading material for your child.

5. Collect information from parent magazines. Often, you will find a section that includes a book list for your kids.

6. Research online for state, national and international book lists. You will find a wide variety of books and the list changes at least once a year.

7. Familiarize yourself with popular children’s series and children’s classics. Bookstores offer book lists and may have story time as well.

8. Spend some time asking other parents what their kids like to read. They may know about books you are not familiar with.

9. Try different types of books with your kids. Your child may prefer books with more pictures or pop-up books. When you find a book your child really enjoys, research and find out what else that particular author has written.

10. Share reading time. You can read to your kids or have them read to you. You may consider setting aside a reading time where everyone reads.

Tips & Warnings

• Create your own reading list. If your children see you read, chances are they will want to read too.

Resources

• International Reading Association