Wunderland News

Encouraging reading at home can sometimes be a challenge for parents. Since we live in a digitally-driven world with many distractions, finding the best approach to helping your child find their love for books can be difficult. However, nurturing a passion for reading early on can help expand your child’s vocabulary, build independence, and, of course, imagination. Here are five strategies we recommend to help foster a lifelong love for books.

1. Lead by Example by Modeling Good Reading Behavior. We all know that children follow our examples. If you are not actively reading or discussing your passion for books, then your child probably won’t show much interest. Try to make reading a visible part of your daily routine, and your child will follow suit. Since children copy our behavior, this is one of the most powerful ways to encourage good reading habits.

2. Make Reading Interactive / Read Aloud Together. Transform reading into a fun experience for your child by being engaging and having conversations about your favorite part of the stories. Reading aloud helps lay the foundation of a positive attitude toward books and can encourage a lifelong habit. Not only this, but it can also strengthen your bond with your child. Snuggling up together with a book provides comfort and can create memories they will never forget.

3. Celebrate Reading Milestones. Recognizing your child’s reading accomplishments will help get them excited to continue reading. Whether it’s finishing a book, reaching a reading goal, or mastering a new vocabulary word, parents should take the time to celebrate with their children and reinforce the joy of reading. Consider creating a reading chart to track your child’s progress with books. This is a simple way for them to view their accomplishments and for you to reward them for their hard work. Make it a celebration the whole family can get involved in! After meeting a milestone, have a family movie night together or reward them with a special treat to help encourage this great habit. Overall, parents should celebrate their child’s reading milestones as this will help motivate them to continue their reading journey and boost their confidence.

4. Offer a Home Library with a Large Variety. Whether it is adventure-packed stories, fairy tales, or nonfiction, offering a wide range of reading materials will help your child find a book that resonates with them and keeps them engaged. Having a large variety of genres and a diverse set of characters and authors will give your child a better understanding of different cultures and a broader perspective of the world around them. There are many benefits to having a variety of books at home. However, the top benefit is encouraging your child’s love of reading to grow and fueling their motivation to continue reading more and more. Discovering new authors and genres will show your child they will never run out of books to read.

5. Create a Reading Nook in Your Home. One way to excite your child to read is by creating a space for them that makes reading feel special. Creating a cozy environment can help them associate reading with comfort, which will, in turn, encourage them to read when they are bored or stressed. Having a designated space in your home shows your children that your family prioritizes reading. Creating a nook can also be a fun bonding experience for you and your children, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive one. Create a cozy reading nook using items you already possess; such as a bean bag chair, good lighting, and fun decorations. Your child will then have a cozy new spot that will excite them to read every day!

Inspiring a love for reading in your child is immeasurable. It offers them a gateway to boundless knowledge, imagination, and opportunities. By making reading interactive, celebrating their milestones, offering a variety of genres, leading by example, and creating a reading-friendly environment— you can encourage your child to embark on a lifelong journey of discovery through books!