15 Easy Ways To Get Your Kids Interested in Reading

Photo Credit: Canva

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy. 

Follow us on Instagram for more fun ideas for kids!

It’s never too early to start getting your kids interested in reading, books can provide hours of entertainment every day and are great for any age. 

Many parents find that their kids naturally gravitate towards books and stories, but some children need a little more encouragement. 

Kids who learn to love reading early on will have a lifelong passion for learning, so it’s worth taking the time to foster a love of reading in your children. 

Something as simple as reading to them every night before bed can make a difference. This is a chance for you to strengthen your relationship with your child and foster their love of reading.

If your child seems resistant to reading, you can do a few things to help them get interested. Let’s look at a few suggestions to assist you in encouraging your kids to read!

Why it’s Important for Kids to Read

Reading is a skill that all kids should learn. It helps with the development of imagination, and allows them to expand their vocabulary, and honest communication skills. 

Additionally, reading comprehension aids in understanding the world and learning about cultures and people. 

Reading is such a fundamental skill essential for success in school and in general. As a result, it is of the utmost importance that parents encourage their children to read. 

There are many ways to foster a love of reading in kids, such as providing them with access to books, taking them to the library, or reading aloud daily.

By taking these steps, parents can give their children the gift of literacy and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.

15 Creative Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Read More

1: Build a personal library

One of the best ways is to create a personal library in your home. Fill it with books you know your kids will love, and keep it well-stocked. 

Encourage them to read by setting aside time for family reading each day. Let them see you reading, and talk to them about the books you enjoy. 

You can also offer rewards for reading, such as taking them to their favorite restaurant or letting them buy a new book. 

Making reading fun and accessible can help your kids develop a lifelong love of books. 

If you don’t have a lot of space in your home for a library, you can always visit your local library. 

2: Let Them Choose the Books

Another great way to get them excited about reading is to let them choose the books. This way, they can pick something they are interested in and are more likely to enjoy reading. 

Bring them to the bookshop or library so they can look at the books. Ask a librarian or bookseller for suggestions if they struggle to find something they like. 

With so many various genres and styles of books available, your youngster is bound to find something they love to read. 

So let them choose the book, and you may find that they start to love reading after all.

3: Set Aside Time Every Day for Reading

Setting aside time for reading is one of the best ways to get your kids interested in reading. 

Finding time to read might be difficult with all the demands on your time. Yet even a small amount per day might have a significant impact.

Allow your children to choose the books they want to read, but be sure to keep a few you think they’ll like nearby as well. Additionally, you can alternate reading aloud to one another.

Not only will this help to develop their interest in reading, but it will also provide some quality family time.

4: Have a Variety of Books on Hand

Another one of the best ways to spark their interest is to have various books on hand. 

If they can see that there are books about topics that they are interested in, they are more likely to want to pick one up and start reading. 

For example, if your child is interested in dinosaurs, make sure to have some books about dinosaurs available. 

You can also try taking them to the library or bookstore and letting them choose their book. 

By providing them with various options, you can help make reading a more enjoyable and engaging experience for them.

5: Let Them See You Reading

When moving forward trying to inspire young people to read, one of the best things you can do is let them see you reading. 

Whether you’re curled up with a good book, catching up on the latest news, or even checking your email, kids will take their cue from you. 

If they see you reading, they’ll likely want to read themselves. But, of course, that doesn’t mean you should force them to sit down and read with you. 

Instead, try to make reading a part of your daily routine. For example, let them see you reading first thing in the morning, while you’re waiting for dinner to cook, or even before bed. 

6: Make It a Fun Activity

This might be as easy as having a family reading session before bed or going to the library for storytime. You can also try turning reading into a game. 

For example, you can have a contest to see who can read the most books in a month or make up fun stories together. 

Whatever you do, make sure that reading is something that your kids enjoy and look forward to. 

If they see it as a task to be completed, they are less likely to desire to do it. If you can make it fun, however, they’ll be more likely to develop a love of reading that will last a lifetime.

7: Get Creative with Bedtime Stories

One way to do this is by telling bedtime stories that are creative and engaging. Instead of simply reading from a book, try making up your tales, and incorporating your child’s favorite characters. 

This will draw their interest and pique their curiosity about hearing more tales.

You can also encourage them to use their imaginations by asking them to come up with their endings to the stories.

In no time, you’ll have your little ones begging for more bedtime stories, and they’ll develop a love for reading.

8: Reward Them for Reading

You want your children to grow to love books. However, getting them interested in reading can be challenging, especially if they see it as a chore. 

Offering prizes for reading is one technique to encourage children to read. For example, you could give them a special sticker each time they finish a book. 

Or, you could set up a reading challenge with prizes for reaching certain milestones. You could even take them on special outings, like to the library or bookstore, when they reach their goals. 

By offering incentives for reading, you can help your kids develop a lifelong love of books.

9: Introduce Them to Different Genres

Introducing your child to different genres of books or a specific niche like bug books can be a fun and rewarding activity for both of you. For example, if your child enjoys action movies, try reading The Odyssey together. 

By exposing them to different stories, you’ll help them develop a taste for reading – and they may find their new favorite book in the process. 

Likewise, you may find yourself enjoying a new genre as well! So make it a fun activity for both of you, and explore the world of literature together to find something new and exciting.

10: Get Them Books as Gifts

Books open up new worlds and introduce children to new ideas; the skills they learn from reading will stay with them for their entire lives.

However, getting kids interested in reading can be a challenge. One way to help is to ensure they have access to various books. 

If you give your child a book as a gift, they will be more likely to develop a love of reading. Look for books that are appropriate for your child’s age and interests. 

11: Take Them to the Library Often

You want your children to develop a love of learning that will last a lifetime. One way to encourage this love is by taking them to the library often. 

The library contains engaging books that will capture your child’s imagination and help them develop a love of reading. 

Furthermore, the library offers a variety of educational programs that can get your child excited about learning. 

These programs can introduce your child to new topics and help them develop critical 21st-century skills. 

Finally, the library is a place to bond with your child and instill in them a love of books. 

12: Encourage Them to Write Their Own Stories

If your child is having trouble getting excited about reading, one solution is to encourage them to write their own stories. This will give them a chance to be creative and express themselves. 

It can also help them to see reading as something that is fun and rewarding. 

You can start in various ways, like giving them blank notebooks or having them narrate stories that you can record.

You can also help them by providing guidance and suggestions, but let them lead the way and allow their imaginations to run wild. 

13: Talk About What They’re Reading

You can also help them become passionate readers by talking about what they’re reading. This doesn’t mean you need to sit down and have a formal discussion about the book.

Instead, try to make everyday conversation about their reading. Ask them what they think of the book, their favorite part, or who their favorite character is. 

Sharing your thoughts about what they’re reading will also help to foster a love of books. 

In addition, talking about reading will help develop your child’s critical thinking skills and improve their communication ability. 

So next time your kids are curled up with a good book, start a conversation and watch as their love of reading grows in big ways!

14: Read Together as a Family

One way to help perk up your child’s interest in reading is to read together as a family. You can take turns reading aloud or even have discussions about the book after you’re done. 

Reading together is also an excellent opportunity for bonding as a family. In addition, it’s essential to set a good example for your kids by letting them see you reading regularly.

Ensure to keep plenty of books around the house, and encourage your kids to choose books.

15: Find a Book Club for Kids in Your Area

Parents will have a way to get their kids interested in reading is to find a book club for kids in your area. The advantages of joining a book club are numerous.

First, it provides an opportunity for kids to socialize with other kids who share their interests in reading. Second, it allows kids to discuss the books they are reading. 

Third, it helps to develop a love of reading in general. And fourth, it can be a lot of fun! 

Joining a book club can be a lot of fun for the entire family. 

And is a fantastic approach to encouraging your children to read more.

Bonus! Kickstart Reading Tutorials

My friend Lauren from Kickstart Reading gets kids excited about reading! Watch quick reading tutorial videos that are only 2-minutes each, short enough to keep kids’ attention and leave them wanting more. 

Plus, your kids get fun worksheets, activities, and games to help make the concepts that they learn stick!

If you want to give your kids a confident headstart with reading, without getting frustrated along the way, go to KickstartReading.com and use code HELLOWONDERFUL for 20% off! (Not an affiliate link, I truly love her tutorials and wanted to share this awesome resource!)

Takeaway

Getting your kids interested in reading can be a challenge, but it’s essential to encourage them to develop this critical life skill. 

There are several methods for accomplishing this, such as visiting bookstores, talking about what they read, and reading to the family.

You can also locate other children who enjoy reading or join a book club. Taking a few easy measures can encourage your child to have a lifelong love of reading.

Reading is an excellent way for the whole family to bond and have fun together!