3 Ways to Get Your Child Excited About Reading

Before we share some ways to get your kids excited about reading, keep in mind that this is about them! So while these are valid ways to get your child excited about reading, make sure that whatever you decide to do is specific to your child.

1. Keep Books In Their Sight

This is a good way to pique your child’s interest and boost their confidence. Speaking of confidence, keeping books around children normalizes the importance of books. Think of it this way: if you replaced all the electronics you have with books or bookshelves, you would probably be more inclined to read and feel comfortable around books, but unfamiliar and shy when you are placed in an area that only has electronics. If your goal is to get your child comfortable with books, they will need to see and be familiar with them. Doing this also builds how confident they are in reading.

2. Let Them Choose The Book

Allowing them to choose the book they are reading for the day or before bed engages them, gives them a sense of independence, and allows them to explore topics that they may be interested in. If they are obsessed with a particular genre or topic, it could just be a phase, but if they start to continually choose the same book, don't be afraid to limit the options they are exposed to so that they can see what other books interest them. Something that could also be helpful is to find a series of books connected to the genre they are particularly interested in. For instance, a child who likes magic or history may enjoy the Magic Treehouse series or a child who likes cats may be interested in reading the Skippy John Jones books. This independence also allows them to choose books that relate to themselves and can often reflect where they are in life. They might relate to A Bad Case of Stripes if they don't like vegetables. A child that is interested in sewing or creative arts may love Sister Girl and the New Dress from The Sister Girl Collection.

This, however, does not mean that their newfound independence limits your authority as a parent; rather, it helps to build a healthy relationship with your child. You still hold the authority to say no and set boundaries, but you allow them to practice what independence feels like and what true guidance looks like.

3. Make It Into A Game?

Kids love games and should be encouraged to be active and think actively as their bodies and minds are still developing. Making reading into a game can show children that reading can be fun and help them comprehend the stories more effectively. Some games that can be considered include:

• Voice changing game - every time your child pushes the bell you have to change your voice.
• Popcorn reading - every time the bell rings, someone else reads, this works better in a group setting
• Sight words game - every time your child hears a sight word, they ring the bell

Tell us in the comments ways you get your child excited about reading and expand your library with the Sister Girl Collection today!