I love to read. That may be a bit of an understatement. I read constantly, incessantly, and joyfully. As a child, I was the one who hid under the blankets with a flashlight so I could finish another chapter of Anne of Green Gables. I remember vacations by which book I was reading at the time. (Trip to the Black Hills? Emily’s Quest. Trip to Washington D.C.? The Lord of the Rings trilogy.)
As an adult, I became an English major just so that I could read a ton of great books and talk about them with really smart people. Then I became a middle school English teacher so I would be able to read for a living. It’s literally my job to help kids love to read. How cool is that?
Now I am also a parent, and I am doing all that I can to share my love (ok, my obsession) with reading with my three children. I want them to be not merely adequate readers or proficient readers. I want them to be voracious readers.
My guess is that you, as a parent, would also like your child to discover the joy of reading. So, how can we do it? Here are a few tips from a reading teacher, a mom, and most importantly, a reader:
- Be a Reader Yourself
Despite what they may tell you, children of all ages look up to their parents as role models. So, sit down and read. Let them see you with a book or newspaper each day. Designate a portion of each night as “no electronics” family time. You can use this time to read a family novel, read through the Bible together, or have older children read to younger siblings. Make reading goals for yourself and share them with your family. When you prioritize reading, your child will notice.
- Listen to Books
Most parents (including myself!) spend a significant chunk of each day in our cars with our children. Make a no-headphones policy and put in an audio book instead. This can also lead to fruitful family discussions, inside jokes, and shared experiences. Check your local library for free audio books or follow blogs that share free downloads.
- Get to Know Your Child’s Teacher or Librarian
Unless you specialize in children’s literature, it can be hard to dig through the plethora of books out there. But, your child’s English teacher and librarian can and regularly do. Use them as resources! I read dozens of young adult novels each year so that I can make recommendations to my students and share lists with parents. Send a quick e-mail to a teacher or ask during parent-teacher conferences. Most teachers will be thrilled to share their knowledge with you!
- Take a Walk Down Memory Lane
Did you have a book that you couldn’t put down when you were younger? Share it with your child! Introduce them to Paddington Bear, Little House on the Prairie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlotte’s Web, or whatever book captivated you as a child. What better way to make a connection with your child than to share a book that impacted your life?
- Make the Library Your Best Friend
Have a standing date with your local library. Our family piles into the car each Saturday afternoon and drives to our county’s public library. My kids (ages 6, 3, and almost 2) know all of the librarians by name, have their favorite spots, and tote their own bags along. My oldest son now proudly carries his own library card and may be in some sort of contest to see how many books he can check out before he’s seven.
- Fill Your House With Books
In the education world, we call this “creating a literacy-rich environment.” Many studies have shown that early, continued exposure to books improves a child’s vocabulary, comprehension, and pre-literacy skills (like letter and sound recognition). So, fill those bookshelves! Borrow them from the library, buy them at garage sales, ask for them for holidays, and swap them with friends. Give your child access to literature, and they will be exposed to new worlds.
One of my absolute favorite quotes about reading is by George R.R. Martin:
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once.”
Help your child live those lives and explore those worlds. Help them become a voracious reader.
I love reading and have since I was a child. These are great tips for helping your child get into reading, thank you for sharing!
You’re very welcome, Laurie! I think that most adults who love to read also loved to read as a child. As a teacher and a parent, that gives me a lot of motivation to help my kids develop that same love of reading.