Is it a struggle to get your student to read on their own time? We all wish they’d pick up a book from time-to-time, but they always seem to have their phone in their hands. We don’t need to tell you why reading should trump online time, but we can tell you how to help instill a love of reading in your kids.
- Set an example
First things first, your student should get the impression that you enjoy reading! Most of us are dealing with busy schedules, but allow time for yourself to read as well. If you want your child to start, it’s not a bad idea for you to join them.
- Buddy read
If you need motivation to read along with your student, try buddy reading! That way, both of you can hold one another accountable. Your child will be more likely to consistently read if you are enjoying a story together. It’s like your own little book club– and can even turn into a family book club. Discuss what you have read each week, and eventually, your child will look forward to telling mom or dad what they thought about their favorite character. Plus, it’s a great excuse to spend some time with your loved ones!
- Have them read to younger siblings or family friends
To piggyback on buddy reading, try having your student read to a younger child – whether that’s a sibling, family friend, neighbor, anyone! This exercise will give them a sense of responsibility. Let it be a regular occurrence, and their confidence in reading will start to rise. As their confidence in reading grows, they’ll be more prone to pick up a book.
- Make a cozy space just for a reading
If you have a little extra space in your home, reserve a space just for reading. Add some pillows, blankets, and a place to store books. Explain to your student that the space is just for reading and they can get comfortable. Let your student help pick the place or design of the reading nook, and they’ll be excited to sit down with a book there!
- Make reading = relaxation
When your student feels like they need a break, suggest a quick 15-20 minute reading session, and after, they’ll feel better rested. Explain that they don’t need a difficult book to read, and quiet time without electronics can ease their mind. Ask them to compare how they felt before and after reading, and they can hear the difference for themselves. As time goes on, give them longer to read, and eventually, they will look forward to restful reading!
- Offer a variety of reading material
When you tell your student, “You need to go read!”, I’m sure their mind goes to a long novel. Give them options, like comic books, magazines, cook books, or even a picture book. Try a good mix, because all books are not created equal. The more books that end up in their hands, the better. Letting them pick out a book, even if it isn’t a novel, is something they can get excited about. The more genres of books they gravitate to, the more they (and you!) will be able to learn what they’re truly interested in.
Curious how our curriculum can help? Head over to our website to learn more about The Quest Zone’s programs.
For more tips and tricks, check out All About Learning here.