How to Raise Avid Readers and Independent Learners: Our Journey and Tips

As a parent, I often get asked how I helped my child become an avid reader from a young age. The secret wasn’t some hidden technique or enrolling him in a high-cost program. It was about creating the right environment and giving him the tools to love learning—starting with reading. Here’s my experience, and what other parents can do to create a similar path for their children.

The journey started early. I made sure there were books everywhere—from soft rubber ones when he was a baby to real books as he grew. But the key wasn’t just having books; it was about reading to him consistently and showing him that reading was something I did too. Over time, even when he couldn’t yet understand the words, he was absorbing the process.

It wasn’t always easy. There were times when he’d get frustrated because he could read the sounds but couldn’t understand the words. Phonics? That part was easy for him. But words on a page were still a puzzle. That's when I realized: I needed to make reading fun.

Turning Learning into a Game

To keep him engaged, we started playing word games. Word searches, letter matching, and eventually crossword puzzles became our thing. We would compete to find words first, and I’d celebrate each little victory like it was a big deal. And that’s when I saw it—learning didn’t have to be a chore; it could be fun!

We even started a project where he created his own crossword puzzles. We put together a list of 3,600 words, divided into levels, and he made puzzles for each. This wasn’t just about the words—it was about the process. He designed the puzzles, checked for mistakes, and even timed himself. By the time he was 7, he was reading materials far beyond his grade level.

When it was time to memorize the 99 Names of Allah, that became a crossword puzzle project too. Instead of just memorizing the names from a list, we turned it into something interactive.

The Power of Independent Learning

What surprised me most was how much he started taking charge of his own learning. Instead of needing me to guide him every step of the way, he was learning how to self-study. And that didn’t just help him read—it helped him develop the skills to learn anything.

This is a powerful lesson for parents: you don’t have to wait for school or a tutor to make your child a lifelong learner. With the right environment and approach, children can start building independent learning skills at home.

The Periodic Table: A Fun, Hands-On Learning Project

One of our best projects was related to the Periodic Table. It might sound boring at first, but we made it fun and engaging. We created crossword puzzles to help memorize the elements, their symbols, and spellings. I even gave the puzzles to some friends to test them out—and we saw how much faster they learned. It was a proud moment, and watching him enjoy the process made it even better.

He even went through kids-proofing with other kids, having them go through the puzzles and see if they could find mistakes. This gave him a sense of ownership and responsibility over his work while also allowing him to see how others interacted with his creation.

He checked and rechecked the puzzles, timed himself, and had his friends point out errors, which improved his attention to detail. It wasn’t just about the facts—it was about mastering the learning process, making it enjoyable, and ensuring it was effective for others too.

The Takeaway for Parents

What can you do at home to help your child develop a love for reading and learning? The answer is simple: Invest in the process. Create an environment where learning is constant and fun. It’s not about perfection—it’s about being involved. You don’t need expensive programs or a fancy curriculum. You just need a willingness to show up every day and engage with your child in a way that makes learning an exciting journey.

This might mean helping them build their own crossword puzzle book, or turning their study time into a game. The possibilities are endless. If I can do it, so can you. Every parent has the ability to make their child a lifelong learner with the right guidance.

If anyone is interested in exploring the books created through this learning journey, you can Search here.