Encouraging Kids to CHOOSE Reading

“Mom! Mom! We HAVE to go the the bookstore TODAY!!! The new Big Nate book goes on sale today, and I need to be the first to read it…”

Wouldn’t it be awesome if all kids were this excited about reading. In my ideal world kids ask to go to the library or bookstore to discover new bound treasures. However, in the reality of my experience, many young kids start out excited about reading, but for many, as they move to upper elementary, the center of their focus begins to shift from books to the allure of the video game screen. Clearly, we don’t live in an ideal world, but there are some things adults can do in order create balance and motivate our children to stay engaged with books.

Motivation to do anything can be affected by self-perception as well as the difficulty or complexity of the task. There are many literacy practices that can be adopted at home in order to strengthen children’s views of themselves as reader and increase the likelihood that they will choose to read. Incorporating even just one or two of these practices in your home can make a big difference for developing readers.

Read with your child and let them know you enjoy reading with them.
When you read to your child stop and discuss what you are thinking about while you are reading.
Let your child select a favorite spot to read.
Let your children see mom and dad reading for personal growth and enjoyment.
Discuss what you are reading with your family.
Encourage your children to talk to you about what they are reading.
Set aside a bookshelf to display favorite family books.
Help your child select right fit books.
Start a children’s book club in your neighborhood.
Attend literacy events at your local library.
Participate in summer reading programs.
Provide a wide variety of reading choices through a home or public library.
Rewards for reading can be motivational if you use rewards that are closely tied to reading (a book, bookmark, etc.)
Help your child write and “publish” their own book.
Create a top 10 list of your family’s favorite books and display it in your home.
Schedule time in your family’s schedule for reading.
Pack some snacks and a favorite book for a trip to your local park.
Plan a family field trip related to a book you have read.
Help your child write and publish a book review online.