How to Get Your Kids to Read: Strategies to Try for the Summer

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

Spending quality time with your kids through reading, especially during daily routines like bedtime, not only enhances their language skills but also creates opportunities for family bonding and meaningful conversations about the stories.

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. It’s time to 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?

It’s a question many parents ask, but with a little creativity, you can help your kids avoid the “summer slide” and stay on top of their reading skills. 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 opening children to the wonderful world of books is one of our priorities. This is why we have started our first-ever tween book box subscription. It’s filled with everything you need to get your kids hooked on books!

Create a special reading spot

We all love having a special place we can escape to with a great cup of tea, and 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 to be anything fancy or cost you an arm and a leg. A wonderful 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 on to strategy number two.

Books for the summer

That box needs to be filled, and we can’t think of a better outing than shopping for books. Whether you’re heading to your local bookstore, the library, or shopping online, it’s all about making it exciting. Regular visits to the library or bookstore are always a great way to encourage and incentivize your child to read; after all, you need to finish reading what is in the box before heading out for more!

Obtaining a library card is essential as it opens up access to free books, reading programs, and engaging activities that can foster a love for reading in kids.

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 have small rewards along the way, like stickers or candy. 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 that introduce new words can also be a fun part of these challenges. Engage your child in games and conversations that enhance their awareness of language, such as swapping letters in words to create new ones.

And finally, let’s not forget about our local libraries. They truly are a treasure trove when it comes to motivating children to read. We love their summer reading programs; they always managed to incentivize reading with lots of fun and fabulous rewards.

With a little creativity, you can get your child excited about reading this summer!

Make Reading Fun with Book Clubs

Book clubs are a great way to get your middle grader excited 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 by allowing them to discuss and share their thoughts on the books.

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

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

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

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

• Make sure to encourage everyone 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, so planning some activities or games related to the book goes a long way to adding that fun element.

Books and technology working together

It is easy to get caught up trying to take technology out of the equation but with our techno-kids, adding technology every 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 words they don't know. Plus, most devices come with built-in features that make reading more fun, such as games, quizzes, and challenges.

Another great way to incorporate technology into reading time is by listening to audiobooks together. This can be done in the car on the way to the shops or during family road trips. Not only does it provide an opportunity for a shared experience between you, but also 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. By 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: Whether it’s 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, some 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 when needed, but allow them the freedom to explore and enjoy the stories on their own.

4. Make Reading Social: Reading together can be a wonderful bonding experience. Discuss the stories, ask questions, and share your thoughts. This interaction not only enhances comprehension but also makes reading a shared adventure.

5. Diverse Reading Materials: Provide access to a variety of reading materials, including fiction, nonfiction books, 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 will 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: Bring the story to life by using different voices, inflections, and expressions. This not only makes the story more engaging but also helps your child understand the emotions and actions of the characters.

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 the books your child reads. This visual representation of their progress can be very motivating and gives them a sense of accomplishment.

2. Celebrate Achievements: Recognize and celebrate your child’s reading milestones. Whether it’s finishing a book or reaching a reading goal, small rewards like stickers, stars, or a special treat can go a long way in keeping them motivated.

3. Set Reading Goals: Turn reading into a game by setting goals and challenges. For example, challenge your child to read a certain number of books in a month or explore different genres. 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 keeps their reading experience fresh and interesting, and helps 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 not only reinforce reading skills but also add an element of play that children love.

By following these tips, you can create a positive and enjoyable reading environment that will 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 really 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, thereby 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 come back to it with fresh eyes.

And finally, encourage them with other activities that complement their reading, like listening to an audiobook of the same story or watching a movie adaptation. Sometimes just switching things up and making a change might be all they need to reignite their love for the story. Here’s to a summer filled with the wonder of books!