5 simple tips to start a reading habit with your kids
Want to start a reading habit with your kids but don’t know where to start? Here are 5 simple tips to guide you so that you can build a reading habit with your kids.
1. Build a reading routine:
Commit to a realistic reading routine. Starting a routine with as little as 10 minutes a day will made a big difference.
Read to each other. Reading out loud is important exercise in fluency and to develop comprehension in kids. To find out more about benefits of reading out loud and examples of activities, check out Read out loud.
School holidays are great time to introduce new routines.
2. Make reading fun and interactive:
Build forts with pillows and blankets or take the kids outdoor.
Put on different voices and don’t shy away from trying on accents and expressions kids love that.
Take a pause between reading for interactive activities that helps kids reflect on the reading, check out our Ekadeshma reading plans.
3. Visit libraries and introduce variety:
Visit your local library where you can borrow different types of books.
During school holidays you can encourage kids to try all sorts of reading materials like comic books, poems, graphic novels etc.
Participate in local library programs that promote reading.
4. Merge e-books and movies:
Online learning options are now a reality so take the benefits of digital educational tools like e-books.
E-books can be very beneficial in learning difficult pronunciations. They are portable and cheap so a great option during family trips.
Movies can be a great bargaining chip. You can reward watching movie after reading the book together.
5. Explore parent-child book clubs or community programs:
Look out for parent-child book clubs near you or community programs that promote reading.
Book clubs are great way for you and your kids to explore books and meet other parents and kids with similar reading goals.
Through book clubs and community programs, your kids can find lasting friendships and find reading to be a social activity rather than a solo activity.
Most importantly, remember to check-in with your kids and add their voice to the experience. The reading habit won’t stick if the kids or you aren’t really enjoying the whole experience.
