Current literacy data for children in the United States of America is startling. Approximately 40% of students throughout the country are unable to read at basic levels for their age groups. For some demographics — like low-income fourth graders, the percentage is at least 30% higher. It is imperative that parents, grandparents and guardians put forth effort to help overcome this crisis. A good place to start is to ask yourself how you might inspire a love of reading in your kids.
In this post, you’ll discover four ways to encourage a love of reading in children of all ages. There are undoubtedly many more ideas available as well. The ideas you’re about to read, however, are effective and easy to implement. Giving at least one of these suggestions a try might have positive results in your household. Making all these ideas regular habits may be particularly helpful, especially if you have non-readers or kids who say they think reading is boring.
Easy ways to inspire a love of reading in children
Consider trying one or all the following ideas the next time you’re searching for ways to inspire a love of reading in your kids:
- Take them on outings to the local library: Make a day of it. Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the library. Check ahead to see if your local library is hosting any special craft days or programs that might interest your children. Most modern libraries have play centers for toddlers, gaming centers for teens, audio books, movies and more. Create tote bags for each child to carry along and fill them with books!
- Enjoy a family read-aloud time: The optimum frequency for a family read-aloud time is daily; however, even once or twice a week is better than never. Provide snacks for the kids to enjoy while they listen to the stories. Chapter books are great for this type of family activity. You can customize your reading time to fit your children’s ages and personalities.
- Always make books available and let your kids see you reading: Consider building bookshelves for a family library. You can also place large bins or baskets in various rooms throughout the house, as well as in your vehicle, so that there are always a variety of books available for your children. Also, become an avid reader yourself and let your children see you enjoying your books. Kids learn by example.
- Unplug from electronics for 30 minutes to an hour each day: Make it a habit in your family to “unplug” every day. Make it a required reading time. Approach the idea with a positive attitude so the kids don’t feel like it’s a punishment, but, rather, something to look forward to each day.
By encouraging a love of reading in your children, you can help improve U.S. literacy rates. You might also consider volunteering at local schools or libraries for story time. You can build up your family library at home by scouting for books in good condition at yard sales and other second-hand stores. Your kids might also enjoy swapping books with other families! Making reading a priority and enjoyable activity in the home helps children improve their reading skills; it might even inspire a child to become an author someday!
