30 Ways to Encourage Kids of All Ages to Read

Encourage kids to read because it is a wonderful way to foster their love for learning and improve their language and cognitive skills. Did you know that reading is a great way for kids to learn new words and increase their vocabulary? (Up to twelve thousand new words each year, according to some sources.) A study at the University of Minnesota showed that reading can reduce stress levels by up to sixty-eight percent so that’s a great reason in and of itself to encourage kids to read.

Here are 30 ways to encourage kids to read:

1. Create a cozy reading nook in your home with comfortable seating, pillows, and good lighting.
2. Set aside dedicated reading time each day where everyone in the family reads together.
3. Be a reading role model by reading in front of your children and talking about books you enjoy.
4. Visit the library regularly and let your child choose their own books.
5. Organize a family book club where you all read the same book and discuss it afterward.
6. Read aloud to your child, even if they can read on their own. It helps build their listening skills and exposes them to new vocabulary.
7. Make reading a part of your bedtime routine.
8. Help your child create a personal reading list of books they want to read.
9. Discuss books with your child and ask them questions about the story and characters to encourage critical thinking.
10. Encourage older children to write book reviews or start a book blog to share their thoughts on the books they read.
11. Allow your child to read a variety of genres and formats, including graphic novels, magazines, and non-fiction books.
12. Incorporate reading into everyday activities by having your child read recipes, signs, and labels.
13. Plan a family outing to a bookstore or a book fair to explore new books together.

    

14. Use technology to your advantage by introducing educational reading apps and e-books.
15. Create a reading challenge or reward system where your child earns prizes or treats for reaching reading milestones.
16. Encourage your child to join a book club or reading group at school or in the community.
17. Host a book swap with your child’s friends or neighbors to exchange books they’ve already read.
18. Explore different genres and authors to find what resonates with your child’s interests.
19. Attend author events or book signings to make reading more exciting and personal.
20. Connect reading to real-life experiences by reading books about topics your child is interested in, such as animals, history, or science.
21. Give books as gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

    

22. Create a reading chart or a visual reading log where your child can track their progress…and create a summer competition for who can read the most books in your household or neighborhood or child’s play group.
23. Encourage your child to write their own stories or create illustrations to accompany their reading.
24. Let your child read to younger siblings or family members. It builds their confidence and strengthens their reading skills.
25. Support your child’s reading choices even if the books they choose may seem easy or uninteresting to you.
26. Celebrate reading accomplishments with praise and recognition.
27. Plan a visit to an author’s website or social media page to engage with their work.
28. Encourage reading outside of traditional books, such as reading comic strips, cereal boxes, or game instructions.
29. Introduce your child to book series that will keep them engaged and wanting to read more.
30. Make reading a part of family vacations by bringing books along and encouraging reading during travel time.

Remember, the goal is to make reading enjoyable and not to pressure your child. Each child is unique, so experiment with different strategies to find what works best for them.

And one more way you can encourage kids to read is by buying a copy of our latest children’s book In My World and by downloading copies of our fun, educational, and free workbooks.