Encouraging your children to read books can be quite a challenge. Reading is an essential part of life in both education and the modern business world where so many interactions are now being done virtually over email and text. This means that learning how to read at a young age is absolutely vital, so in today’s post, we want to provide some tips for helping your children actually want to pick up a book and read so that they are able to turn it into a habit and use the tools they learn for the rest of their lives. Read on to learn more, and shop our inspirational kids book, Ivy the Very Determined Dog, at Bromfield Press today!
Read With Your Child
Not only does this encourage them to keep reading, but it can also be incredibly fun for the both of you and create a great bonding experience. Depending on their age, you could even have them read a book out loud to you, or take turns reading it out loud with them. Once the story is finished, you can ask your child questions about the book, such as:
- What was your favorite part of the book?
- Who was your favorite character? Why?
- Did you learn anything from reading this book?
- What kind of book do you want to read next?
Not only will this help with their social skills, that last question will get them excited about the next book they will get to read!
Surround Your Children with Quality Reading Material
Provoke a reading habit in your child by having a wide variety of kids books at their reading level in your home. Leave them out on end tables, on your child’s bed, and in their playroom. If you notice that they aren’t seeming to pick them up, encourage them by saying things like “That seems like a really good book over there!”, or “Let’s read that book before bed tonight!” Not only will this help to get them thinking about it, but it can also help them get excited about it too!
Encourage Reading Activities
Children love activities, so turning a story that they just read into a fun game can help take their excitement to a whole new level. This could include having them act out a skit from the book, making a board game out of it, or drawing pictures of the characters. If the book has a soundtrack, have a dance party! Making reading exciting through activity is an excellent way to keep them wanting to read more.
Exhibit a Love for Reading Yourself
If your child often sees you spending time reading your own book, this can help spark an interest in your children and encourage them to read for themselves. Take the time to make a discussion about how good the book you are reading is, and ask them if they are interested in reading a book with you. Your excitement for reading can easily wear off on your children, so showing and talking about how much your love it can help to spark it in them as well.
Watch the Movie Afterwards
Select a classic book for your child that has been turned into a movie, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory or The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Read the book together, and when you are finished, have a fun family movie night to watch the film version of the story. This is a great way to motivate your child to read, as they know they have something to look forward to once they finish the book!
Turn to Books During Tough Times
While giving your children books about a topic they are passionate about is always great, remember that it can also help your child when it is about a struggle they are going through as well. You can even have a “book fairy” come by and drop it off with a nice note that says, “I’ve heard you’ve had a tough couple of days. This will help show you how strong you are. You will get through this!” Depending on what the situation is. For example, if you have a child who is in a wheelchair, Ivy the Very Determined Dog talks about her own struggles and how she is still able to live her life to the fullest while zooming around in her wheelchair. No matter what the scenario for your child is (bullies, sibling rivalry, coping with death, etc.), there is an inspirational kids book out there that can help.
Give the Gift That Keeps Them Reading
When relatives ask for birthday present ideas, tell them what your child is interested in and suggest books! Then, your kids can give their books to their friends as birthday presents when they are done reading them with a nice note as to why they would like the book. This not only makes reading fun, but provides them with a great way to connect with others.
By following these tips, you will have your children reading in no time! If you don’t know where to start when buying inspirational kids books, check out Ivy the Very Determined Dog today! It is a true story about a very determined French Bulldog who overcomes tough obstacles and makes the most out of it.