You’re extremely fortunate if you have a child who loves to read. However, if your child hates it, don’t worry. We have a few helpful tips to help motivate your child to read. After all, reading opens up their minds to explore the world without leaving the house. Here are 7 helpful tips to motivate them to read:

Read several stories every day

Make time to read together with your children, especially if they are still too young to do it on their own. A great place to start is by reading bedtime stories together. The more books they read every day, the vaster their vocabularies become and their comprehension skills double in time. 

Surround your children with reading materials

Surround your kids with books. Whether it’s from a nearby bookshop which allows free reading, or at a nearby library to let them enjoy a variety of books. The moment they have complete access to reading materials, they are free to explore the genres they want and eventually pick up a book they like to start reading. 

Encourage a wide variety of reading activities every day

Reading doesn’t need to be done at school or at the library alone. You may include simple reading activities to their everyday chores too. You can even make a reward system of which every time they read a book, they are rewarded with a 30-min gadget time or something they like. 

For toddlers beginning to read, bring them to children’s museums or interactive studios to divert their attention especially if they dislike the classic reading sessions. 

Another activity you can do together is by going to a bookshop and choosing a book that you will read together. If all else fails, try creating a reading habit in a fun way by challenging them to share their learnings as soon as they finish a book. 

Help them choose age-appropriate books

In having them choose their own reading material, it will motivate them to read even more because they will feel that they are in control and not being forced to do it. Eventually, they will develop a reading habit when they find a genre they like. They might even look forward to reading as they will find it soothing and relaxing. In helping them choose, always start with age-appropriate books so they won’t get discouraged and stray away from the educational and developmental possibilities reading brings. 

Show interest in your child’s reading

The moment they are showing interest in reading, make sure you do the same to what they are now inclined to do. Showing them that you are interested in their reading encourages them to read some more as they will think that what they are doing makes you happy and are proud of them. Supporting children in their reading efforts will strengthen the bond between parents and children. 

Create a cozy reading area

Find a comfortable spot in your house where you can create a cozy nook for reading. Fill in this space with various reading materials and remove distractions like toys and gadgets. After all, you want to motivate your child to read and not play around. Make sure this area is clean and has a lot of flexible reading spots like a lounge chair, a table book-stand, a table with colorful notepads and pens. Don’t forget to add a child-friendly dictionary as well. 

Exhibit a love of reading

Be a role model to your child and exhibit your love for books as well. When they see you reading, they will follow suit. Explore different reading habits together or join them during their reading time to create a bonding moment while you are actually getting them hooked on reading. Displaying your current book at your cozy reading place will get them encouraged to pick up their books too!

Get your child to enjoy reading and learn more every day! Be at ease while you’re away with your child and enrol them at Creative Learning Academy today. Call (813) 882-3382 to schedule a tour.