Are you struggling to get your child to put down the video game controller and pick up a book? You’re not alone. Many parents share common concerns about their children’s reading habits, often wondering:
- How can I get my kid to read on their own?
- What counts as “good” reading material?
- What can I do to make reading enjoyable for my child?
Understanding the Reading Journey
Reading is more than just a skill—it’s a journey. This developmental road is complex because reading isn’t just one thing, but rather a combination of many skills working together. In this article, we’ll explore how reading develops and how parents can support this process through three key strategies:
- Encouraging storytelling and sharing stories
- Letting your child read what they like
- Making reading fun and engaging
Share Stories to Promote Reading
At its core, reading is about communication—the ability to connect with others through shared stories. While you might think of reading as simply translating letters into words and sentences, it’s much more fundamental than that.
For Pre-readers
For infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners, storytelling helps promote early literacy. One simple yet effective technique is sequencing—breaking activities into steps as you do them. This teaches the concept that stories have a beginning, middle, and end.
Quick Tip: Try narrating everyday activities like making breakfast:
- “First, we crack the egg”
- “Now, we whisk it with a fork”
- “Watch as it cooks in the hot pan”
- “Time to serve it on your plate”
- “And finally, it goes into your belly!”
Just like that, you’ve developed literacy skills while making breakfast!
For Older Children
Research shows that storytelling remains crucial for older kids. Whether through:
- Reading aloud
- Sending texts or emails
- Reading from books
- Creating impromptu stories
Story-sharing helps children connect with others and has been proven to increase reading comprehension. When children share stories—whether reading a book aloud or recounting a vacation—they’re actually improving their skills and building confidence in their reading abilities.
Let Your Kids Read What They Want
The Kids & Family Reading Report reveals an interesting insight: “fandom” can be a powerful motivator for reading. When children become excited about specific:
This enthusiasm can transform them from being interested in a character to becoming passionate about reading itself.
Embrace All Forms of Reading
Don’t limit your child’s reading options. “Good” reading material includes:
- Picture books
- Comic books and graphic novels
- Novellas and chapter books
- Audio books
- Ebooks
- Online stories
If your child loves Marvel movies or can’t stop watching “Anne with an ‘E’,” use that interest to introduce them to the source material. Remember: the goal is to get them reading, regardless of the format.
Make Reading Fun
Sometimes, well-meaning parents and teachers can inadvertently turn reading into a chore. Instead, try these approaches:
Celebrate Every Achievement
- Recognize first-time accomplishments
- Celebrate reading milestones
- Acknowledge writing achievements
- Make celebrations family events
Share Your Own Love of Reading
- Talk about your favorite books
- Create themed family activities
- Turn stories into adventures
- Show how reading opens new worlds
Expert Tip
The key to fostering a love of reading lies in positive experiences. When children are allowed to:
- Choose their reading material
- Share stories freely
- Have fun with reading
They develop internal motivation—the most powerful force in creating lifelong readers. Remember, the goal isn’t just to get your child to read, but to help them discover the joy of reading for themselves.
Remember: Every child’s reading journey is unique. By following these guidelines and remaining patient and supportive, you can help your child develop a lasting love for reading.
