Encourage Your Child to Read
How can I encourage my child to read? The simple answer is… read. And then read some more. Whatever you call it: story time, quiet time, or reading time. Just do it. Read. Every child is different. Some will be drawn to books like moths to a light, while others will pick through titles never being sure which book suits his liking. Sometimes, it can take real effort to find the right book series, subject, or genre of writing that will attract your young learner, but with encouragement, the love of reading can be nurtured in your child. Encourage your child to read with these ideas and incentives.
*Be sure to check out our free emergent readers, reading logs, and printable book reports!
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USE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY
To encourage your child to read, take advantage of your local library. Why not have a seemingly new bag of books going home with you every week? Hardback books, softback books, audio books, non-fiction, fiction, fairy tales, Bible stories, books about frogs, books about castles, books about shapes… okay, do I really need to continue? I think you get my point.
The library houses all the books you need to learn just about anything your student wants to know about. It is the home of thousands of audio books that you and yours can listen to on the way to practice or the grocery store. The documentaries and wildlife films have been visually educational and riveting. Oh… but wait, there is more! My kids have participated in the libraries summer reading logs, the many interactive clubs, craft time, and weekly story time all hosted by gracious librarians!
One of my favorite options offered through the library is the ability to put books and movies on hold. This is great for those times when you are wanting to do a unit study on a particular subject. Put a bunch of books on hold and pick them up when they are ready. We often have a quiet time in the afternoon for a short period where all of us are encouraged to read. For the younger kids, it is the perfect time to pull out a basket of “new” books (from your library hold!) and let them have at them.
USE READING LOGS
FREE Printable Reading Logs! These Free Printable Reading logs can be used as a positive reinforcement for those that already enjoy reading. They can also be the very thing that fuels the fire under a hesitant reader. Right now, among my children, we have an avid reader, a picky reader, a hesitant reader, a wanna be independent reader, a pretender, and a sole listener who can’t even talk yet! Reading logs tend to encourage each of them for different reasons. If you are looking to encourage your child to read, you should give these FREE Printable Reading Logs a chance!
SET UP YOUR OWN HOMESCHOOL LIBRARY
Even though you may take full advantage of the library and all it offers, there is just something about having a small library of your own. This is a great way to encourage your child to read. So, where do you start? Where can you get quality books at a discount price? How can you display your homeschool library? You can find the answers to all of these questions here. Get tips on where to buy books and ideas on how to display them in your own homeschool library.
TRY A MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION
The right magazine subscription can encourage almost any child to read. Sometimes, to a child, a book can seem intimidating. But a magazine that is full of colorful pictures and images welcomes those hesitant to pick up a “real” book. Sure, magazines are visually more appealing, but the articles within them can be challenging and thought provoking too. No matter what your child’s interest, there is sure to be a magazine that focuses on it! I am always amazed at what is out there if you just look. Whether you get a subscription or read them from the library, magazines may be your kid’s reading treat. Here are some to consider: Sports Illustrated Kids, Highlights, or National Geographic Kids.
DOLLY PARTON'S IMAGINATION LIBRARY (FREE!!!)
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library provides one FREE book a month to your child from birth until they are 5 years of age. We discovered this amazing program when our first child was born. We have been receiving at least one book a month since 2009! Over the years when we would go check the mail, the kids’ eyes would light up when they would find a book awaiting them in the mailbox. To be honest, they also loved that their name was on the book and no one else’s.
Some of the quality titles featured include: I Hear A Pickle, Baking Day at Grandma’s, Violet the Pilot, Coat of Many Colors, and many more. The sign-up is pretty painless considering you are receiving virtually 60 books for free. Dolly Parton sees this as a personal mission. She is passionate about children having the tools needed to become excited about their own personal dreams.
FREE AUDIBLE BOOKS
FREE AUDIBLE BOOKS… need I say more? A homeschool mom in my area just referred this site and so I went and checked it out. I am excited to show my kids. The titles offered span the ages- preschool up to adult. Yes, we can listen to books too! Sometimes I don’t always make it to the library to pick up a new selection of books when I want them. Don’t get me wrong, we have a mini library at our own home, but new books… well, that’s pretty exciting. What will we listen to first? White Fang? Hmm… maybe. What do you think?
YouTube Story Time
There are many YouTube channels that offer FREE Story Time. One of our favorites is Mrs. Sophie’s Story Time. She does a wonderful job reading, explaining, and creating a learning experience for her listeners. This is an effective way to encourage your child to read.
Some BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS WE ENJOY
Depending on who you talk to, the list of books they recommend can look vastly different than someone else! These are some of the books we have enjoyed over the years. These do not even begin to skim to books we have read, but maybe, just maybe, it might give you some ideas about what yours might like!
Youngest Elementary
Older Elementary & Beyond
HOW WE TACKLED LEARNING TO READ
Not only do we encourage our children to want to read, but we have a certain guide we follow to help our kids get to that independent reading status. My reluctant reader also struggled with reading and oftentimes found himself frustrated. Most of his frustration came from trying to read material that was above his level. This was a common misstep since he was often trying to impress an older brother who was an avid reader. I can confidently say that with following certain steps, staying consistent, and tandem reading as much as possible, he now reads well and will confidently pick up a book on his own. This took time… so be patient.
With that being said, let me clarify that I am not a reading specialist. I am just a mom who found a way that worked for her kids. If you would like to read more about how we tackle learning to read… READ MORE HERE!
TRY SOME OF THESE OTHER FREE RESOURCES!
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
Romans 15:4
