With so many fun activities vying for your kid’s attention, convincing them to pick up a book can be tricky. Reading can be particularly challenging for some children, especially when they face challenges with certain words or narratives. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with fabulous tried-and-tested strategies that can engage even the most reluctant readers.

Reading with your kids, especially during daily routines like bedtime, enhances their language skills and creates opportunities for family bonding and meaningful conversations about the stories. This shared activity can strengthen the parent-child relationship and instill a love for reading in your child.

From interactive reading challenges to book clubs and beyond, these tips will help your child discover the joy of getting lost in a good story. Grab a drink, kick back, and dive into some seriously engaging ways to get those pages turning!

What is the Average Age a Child Should Be Able to Read?

Emphasizing the importance of teaching letter sounds over letter names can significantly facilitate early reading skills. At Once Upon a Book Club, we are all about bringing books to life, and one of our priorities is opening children to the wonderful world of books. This is why we have started our first-ever tween book subscription boxes. They are filled with age-appropriate, engaging books, fun activities, and surprises to keep your child excited about reading all summer.

Create a Special Reading Spot

We all love having a special place to escape with a great cup of tea; children are no different. Creating a special reading spot in your home is the perfect way to build up your child’s excitement about the prospect of reading this summer, making it a natural part of their real life.

It doesn’t need anything fancy or cost you an arm and a leg. A fabulous bean bag or comfortable chair in an unused corner will do just fine. Add a throw, a pillow, and that side table with a jar of cookies, and you are on your way. All that’s missing is the books – an empty box strategically placed is just waiting to be filled, which takes us to strategy number two.

Books for the Summer

It’s time to fill that box with new adventures! Whether you head to your local bookstore, the library, or shop online, the thrill of discovering new books is always exciting. Regular visits to the library or bookstore are a great way to encourage and incentivize your child to read; after all, you must finish reading what is in the box before heading out for more!

As a parent, you play a crucial role in fostering your child’s love for reading. Obtaining a library card is essential, as it allows access to free books, reading programs, and engaging activities that can nurture this love. Your involvement and encouragement can significantly impact your child’s reading journey.

Choose a book from each genre (this is a great way to introduce them to different genres), by the cover or title. You can look for series, trilogies, mysteries, action, or whatever appeals. Remember, reading is not only about fiction; let them grab a recipe book for kids and encourage them to read the recipe, make the shopping list, and do the shopping and the cooking – no interference from Mom! These are great opportunities for one-on-one time with your child, creating memories that will last forever.

Let’s Get Reading!

If your child isn’t an enthusiastic reader, don’t despair, there is nothing like a challenge or competition to get the reading flowing. Yes, we’re talking about reading challenges and rewards. There are so many options; you can set a reading goal for the summer with an exciting reward waiting at the end.

Another great way is to keep track of your child’s progress on a reading chart and offer small rewards, like stickers or candy, along the way. But why not turn it into a competition with siblings or friends? Whoever reads the most books or reaches their reading goal first gets the prize.

Incorporating activities introducing new words can also be a fun part of these challenges. Engage your child in games and conversations that enhance their language awareness, such as swapping letters in words to create new ones.

Finally, let’s not forget about our local libraries. They truly are a treasure trove for motivating children to read. We love their summer reading programs, which always manage to incentivize reading with lots of fun and fabulous rewards.

You can get your child excited about reading this summer with some creativity!

Make Reading Fun with Book Clubs

Book clubs are a great way to excite your middle grader about reading. Everyone loves having friends over, and who knows, it may become a lifelong club. We’d love to be there when they have their 20-year reunion!

Book clubs can be particularly engaging for older children, allowing them to discuss and share their thoughts on books.

Here are our top 5 tips for the perfect book club:

• It is all about choosing the right book, ensuring it’s age-appropriate and captures their interest.
  
  

• We recommend keeping it small; otherwise, it can get out of hand. We have found that between 5 and 8 members work well.
  
  

• Create a list of questions ahead of time to keep the discussion focused and on track.
  
  

• Ensure that everyone is encouraged to participate, as there are always 1 or 2 shy or less confident children in a group.
  
  

• Make it fun! Book clubs should be enjoyable for everyone, and planning activities or games related to the book can go a long way toward adding that fun element.
  
  

Books and Technology Working Together

It is easy to get caught up in trying to remove technology from the equation, but with our techno-kids, adding technology now and again can be a game-changer. After all, our goal is to get them reading!

One option is to use a tablet or an e-reader to read digital books. Your child can easily keep track of their place, highlight passages, and even look up unfamiliar words. Plus, most devices have built-in features, such as games, quizzes, and challenges, that make reading more fun.

Another great way to incorporate technology into reading time is listening to audiobooks. You can do this in the car, at the shops, or during family road trips. It provides an opportunity for a shared experience between you, and lets them sit back, relax, listen, and simply imagine.

Establishing a Reading Routine

Creating a consistent reading routine is a cornerstone for nurturing a lifelong love of reading in children. Setting aside a specific time each day for reading, you help your child develop a habit that becomes a natural part of their daily life. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Set a Regular Reading Time: Before bedtime or after dinner, having a designated reading time helps children know when to expect their reading session. This consistency makes it easier for them to settle into the habit.
   
   

2. Create a Cozy Reading Nook: Transform a corner of your home into a comfortable reading spot. A cozy chair, pillows, and a good light can make all the difference. This special place can become a sanctuary where your child looks forward to diving into their favorite books.
   
   

3. Encourage Independent Reading: Let your child read at their own pace and choose books that match their reading level. Offer support and guidance, but allow them to explore and enjoy the stories independently.
   
   

4. Make Reading Social: Reading together can be a wonderful bonding experience. Discuss the stories, ask questions, and share your thoughts. This interaction enhances comprehension and makes reading a shared adventure.
   
   

5. Diverse Reading Materials: Give your child access to various reading materials, including fiction, nonfiction, comic books, and magazines. This variety keeps reading exciting and introduces your child to different genres and topics.
   
   

Reading to Young Children

Reading to young children is a magical way to develop their language and literacy skills while creating cherished memories. Here are some tips to make the most of your reading sessions:

1. Start Early: Begin reading to your child as early as a few months old. The earlier you start, the more they associate reading with comfort and enjoyment.
   
   

2. Choose Engaging Books: Select books with simple, colorful pictures and engaging stories. These elements capture your child’s attention and make the reading experience more enjoyable.
   
   

3. Use Expressive Reading: Use different voices, inflections, and expressions to bring the story to life. This makes the story more engaging and helps your child understand the characters’ emotions and actions.
   
   

4. Interactive Reading: Encourage your child to point to and identify words and pictures in the book. Ask them questions about the story and what they think will happen next. This interaction enhances their comprehension and critical thinking skills.
   
   

5. Make It Fun: Reading should be a delightful experience. Keep the sessions light and enjoyable, and don’t be afraid to be silly and playful. The goal is to make your child look forward to reading time.

Monitoring Progress and Having Fun

Keeping track of your child’s reading progress and making the process fun is key to maintaining their motivation and interest. Here are some strategies to help you do just that:

1. Reading Logs and Charts: Use a reading log or chart to track your child’s books. This visual representation of their progress can motivate them and give them a sense of accomplishment.
   
   

2. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child’s reading milestones. Whether finishing a book or reaching a reading goal, small rewards like stickers, stars, or a special treat can motivate them.
   
   

3. Set Reading Goals: Turn reading into a game by setting goals and challenges. For example, challenge your child to read several books or explore different genres monthly. These goals add an element of excitement and achievement.
   
   

4. Diverse Reading Choices: Encourage your child to read a variety of genres and topics. This will keep their reading experience fresh and interesting and help them discover new interests and passions.
   
   

5. Incorporate Word Games and Puzzles: Make reading fun by integrating word games, puzzles, and other activities into your reading routine. These activities reinforce reading skills and add an element of play that children love.
   
   

Following these tips can create a positive and enjoyable reading environment to help your child develop a lifelong love of reading. Here’s to a summer filled with the wonder of books!

A Final Tip

If you want your child to enjoy reading this summer, then make sure to encourage them to take regular reading breaks. Take a break after every chapter. This gives your child time to process what they just read and allows them to take a breather before diving back in.

Engaging a young child with colorful illustrations and interactive reading sessions can significantly support early literacy development. Focus on teaching letter sounds rather than letter names to help the child better connect sounds with words, facilitating their reading skills.

You may even have to put the book down for a day or two if they’re starting to lose interest. This way, they won’t feel like they have to force themselves to keep reading, and can return to it with fresh eyes.

Finally, encourage them to do other activities that complement their reading, like listening to an audiobook of the same story or watching a movie adaptation. Sometimes, just changing things up might be all they need to reignite their love for the story.

Looking for a way to keep the excitement going? Check out our Tween book subscription boxes! Each box delivers an age-appropriate book, 3-5 beautifully wrapped gifts, and extras straight to your door. It is curated to inspire curiosity and build a lifelong love of reading. Here’s to a summer filled with the wonder of books!