Most adults are always thinking that children should be encouraged to read, that they should read in order to learn, and that it is extremely important to create the reading habit from a young age. And yes, it is true, it is absolutely true… these ideas are full of very good intentions. It is a pity that many times these “very good intentions” remain in theory and sometimes do not materialize in practice.
And yes, it is also true that our daily routine consumes us and we do not have time for anything. Working, taking them to school, picking them up, eating, extracurricular activities (basketball, English, dance, robotics, etc.), shopping, going to the park, preparing the bath, and dinner, preparing everything so that they fall asleep early, and can rest for a while… Now, is there time to encourage reading at home?
The answer is yes, but we have to do our part by organizing ourselves in another way in which reading has its important place in the children’s daily life (half an hour will be enough to start). It seems impossible, and perhaps it is, but let’s do everything in our power for the good of the little ones.
Creating the reading habit in children also depends on us as the party involved in the education of our children, nephews, or grandchildren. So we have to get down to work and take a little time to accompany them on that magnificent journey that is reading (whether in paper or digital form). Below we propose a series of 12 tips to encourage reading in children and make them see it as something important for learning and as another form of entertainment in their lives.
1. Spend time with children
It is true that we always lack time to do everything we have to do (shopping, cooking, cleaning the house…) but dedicating 30 minutes to accompany them in reading (reading with them and listening to them), or even 20, is essential for children to acquire the reading habit.
2. Know their tastes
Just as not all children like to play the same games or watch the same cartoons, they don’t necessarily like the same books either. Parents, uncles, grandparents… know their children better than anyone else and know which stories or characters they will like the most.
3. Ask for advice and find out which books are suitable for your age
However, it is always a good idea to ask for advice from specialists (booksellers, librarians, teachers, etc.) when buying or borrowing a book. Each book is recommended for a certain age. Choosing a book outside the recommended age can be harmful to the child by making him feel that it is too difficult or easy for him to understand or read.
4. Suggest/recommend readings and let them choose
Once we know the tastes of the little ones and we have a list of possible books based on their age, it is time to make our recommendation and propose a series of books so that they can freely choose what they want to read. This way they will feel important in the whole reading process and will feel more involved with the book in question.
5. Understand reading as a game
We must get children to see reading as another game. To do this, we can plan a series of activities around the book and its story, so that they see its playful side. For example, reading to their stuffed animals, dressing up, or drawing a picture at the end of the reading. And something very important, when we read to children, it is essential to dramatize the readings.
6. Create reading spaces at home and establish daily routines
Just as at home children have a space to play, there is a space to eat, there is a space to rest… they also have to have a space dedicated to books and reading. This will help children see the normality of reading in their lives and it will become part of them.
It is also important to establish daily routines to create the reading habit in children. For example, reading when they come home from school, reading before dinner, or reading before going to sleep.
7. Encourage children and do not pressure them to read, do not impose it on them
Reading stimulation is essential for them to see and feel the importance of reading in their lives, but this stimulation should not become an imposition. We (adults) do not have a great day, or even a normal one, every day. The same can happen to the little ones in the house. They can be tired, exhausted, or angry for any reason.
On those days the reading routine can be broken without any problem. The goal is for them not to feel pressured by reading. And very importantly, keep in mind that reading is a great effort for them as they are learning letters, syllables, and words (and understanding what they are reading) so no pressure and patience.
8. Talk about books and associate them with each moment or situation
It is important to take advantage (in a natural way) of talking about books and their stories with children at any time or situation that occurs throughout the day. This will make them create positive associations between what they are learning through reading and its application in their lives (even if they are not yet very aware of it).
9. Take them to the library or bookstores where they come into contact with books
It is essential to show them that the world is surrounded by books, as is taking them to libraries and bookstores (here we include online platforms). Teach them that they can use these spaces to browse through books and take them home (on loan or by buying them) so that they occupy a space in their reading space.
10. Always have books on hand
It is important to always have books on hand so that when the time comes to read them they are available and there is no need to wait. That is why it is interesting to make a list of books for the little ones to read so that as the (estimated) reading date approaches they are already on the child’s bookshelf (or on the tablet) or you go to the library a day before to get them.
11. Exchange books with other children
Entering into the game of book exchange with other children can be beneficial for little ones. It is another opportunity to approach new readings and interact with other children through reading.
12. Set an example
This is undoubtedly one of the most important pieces of advice. Children are sponges and act by imitation, so what better than for them to see us reading and want to imitate us?
