11 Tips For Instilling Reading Habits in Children

Children possess a natural curiosity and love for exploration. If you were to leave your child in a room filled with books, you’re likely to come back and find them eager for more.

Then what happened between the bookworm you were proud of, and the teenager who never tires of scrolling their phone? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we will delve into the top 11 strategies to rekindle your child’s passion for reading and their insatiable hunger for knowledge.

Reading is much more than a pastime for children. It has the power to transform one into a far-off land, meet new friends, and embark on incredible adventures. Additionally, It helps in improving one’s language skills and helps develop a confident personality.

A study conducted by the American Academy of Paediatrics notes that children who read regularly experience significant cognitive, linguistic, and developmental benefits. Moreover, children who are exposed to reading at a very young age have a vocabulary up to two or three times their counterparts who were not read to. They are better at academics too.

1. Be a role model: Children are like little sponges, they absorb everything that they are exposed to. So let your child witness you reading regularly. Whether it is an engaging book, the morning newspaper, or an interesting magazine- make sure make sure your love for reading is on display. It is inevitable that children catch your enthusiasm and will follow in your footsteps.

With pre-teens and teenagers, a good idea would be to engage in discussions about the books you are reading, recommend books that you have enjoyed in that age, and share your views on various authors and genres.

2. Create a reading spot: Work on a snug little reading corner that whispers “Come, let’s embark on an adventure together”. Invest in a cupboard with a handpicked selection of books, and some comfy seating like a bean bag where your child can sink and lose themselves to a world of wonder. A soft warm lighting would set the perfect mood. Such a reading spot would work the magic.

For older children, help them create a cozy space to read, in their room or anywhere in the house, where they can be free from other distractions.

3. Start early: You can plant the seeds of a lifelong love for learning, from the very beginning. Start reading to your child from early infancy. While it may seem that they are too young to understand, don't underestimate the magic of your voice. As you read, you’re not just narrating stories, but you are introducing the melody of language to them, meanwhile creating precious memories together.

Keep more age-appropriate reading material and resources as they grow up. You can include areas such as current affairs, politics, and more.

4. Read aloud together: Set aside time to read with your child. Reading aloud is not only a fantastic activity for little ones, it is even enjoyed by children who can read on their own. Children adore the way adults bring stories to life with their voices- it sparks their curiosity. Additionally, when you read together, you will have a chance to explore books that might be a bit above their age level.

5. Visit the library: Turn your visits to the library into exciting experiences. Let them scan through the shelves and select books for themselves. Encourage them to pick books that appeal to their senses. Some libraries put up storytelling sessions for kids, sign up your child for those sessions. Mark those dates in the calendar, and watch them look forward to it with excitement.

Encourage your pre-teens and teenagers to check out the latest book launches. They can attend such events and get their favourite authors’ autographs which can be cherished for a lifetime.

6. Offer choices: Let your child make the choice when it comes to picking books. Give them the freedom to forage the bookstore and select books which spark their interest. By allowing them to explore various genres and topics, you are letting them lay their own reading path. When it’s a personal choice, reading becomes not just a habit, but a journey of self-discovery.

For older kids, respect their literary preferences and allow them to explore areas that align with their evolving interests.

6. Set a reading routine: Set a daily reading ritual, like snuggling up with a good book before bedtime, or flicking through a nice storybook after school hours. Consistency is the key to nurturing any healthy habit.

Older children may often fall off the reading track since they need to juggle between academics and extra-curricular activities, remind them that dedicating a fixed time every day will help to keep up with the habit of reading.

7. Limit screen time: Set boundaries on screen time, especially on school nights. Encourage the idea that reading can be a wonderful activity before sleeping, as it stimulates creative ideas, as opposed to a TV program which increases alertness and may cause difficulty falling asleep.

8. Encourage writing: It’s a good idea to inspire your child to put their thoughts down on paper. A journal where the child writes their heart out can be a good start. Another nice habit would be to maintain a reading journal, noting down book reviews and documenting beneficial ideas learned from books. Inspire them to write their own stories.

Older children can take up the challenge of writing thoughtful book reviews or starting their own blogs. This will allow them to share their perspectives and connect with other young readers.

9. Join a book club: Consider enrolling your child in a book club or a reading program. You can explore local libraries, and parent groups, or look for online options suitable for your child. These sessions give a chance to have lively discussions and book reviews and connect with others who share their love for books.

As they approach their teens, children can start their own storytelling sessions engaging with young readers and experiencing the nuances of storytelling.

10. Embrace Kindle: Kindle is changing the way children and teens engage with books, transforming reading into an interesting activity. With interactive features, access to a vast digital library, personalized settings, and the convenience of accessing an entire library from a single device, Kindle not only sparks a love for reading but also eliminates the burden of carrying several books. Kindle encourages children to embark on an exciting journey into the world of literature, making reading accessible, engaging, and interesting.

Learner Circle is an online extracurricular and skill-development platform. While we offer a variety of language courses, what sets us apart is our approach to guiding young learners in their reading journey. We ignite their curiosity and encourage them to explore subjects that pique their interests.

To learn more about Learner Circle, click here.

To book a free demo session, click here.

Nurturing a love for reading in children is an invaluable gift. By creating a reading-friendly environment, offering diverse reading material, and making readina a shared expereince, we can reignite the passion for books in our young ones. Encouraging and sustaining this habit is an investment that will benefit children throughout their lives, unlocking doors to unending adventures. So, let’s embark on this journey witht them, and together, we can shape a future where books remain lifelong sources of information.