Making Reading Special

Reading is one of the most powerful skills that helps children stretch their imagination, spark creativity, and sharpen critical thinking. It's also essential in developing language skills by expanding their vocabulary and improving their understanding of sentence structure. But come summertime, getting kids to pick up a book can become a bit tricky for parents. So, how can you keep your children excited about reading during the break?

1. Make it Engaging

• Act it out: 

Bring stories to life by using different voices, acting out characters, and adding sound effects. The more animated, the better!

• Encourage interaction: 

Get your child involved by asking questions, making predictions, and welcoming their own questions along the way.

• Connect to real life: 

Tie books into real-world adventures—read about animals before a zoo visit, or dive into gardening books before planting together.

• Choose interactive books: 

Books with flaps, pop-ups, or textures can turn reading into an exciting hands-on experience.

2. Foster a Love for Reading

• Let them choose: 

Giving kids the freedom to select their own books helps spark interest and boosts motivation.

• Create a reading routine: 

Set aside a regular time for reading—like before bed—to turn it into a comforting daily habit.

• Design a cozy reading corner: 

Make reading special by creating a comfy spot filled with cushions, soft lighting, and their favorite books.

• Make library or bookstore visits fun: 

Turn trips to the library or bookstore into exciting outings to discover new stories and authors.

• Read together as a family: 

Model a love for reading by sharing books together—whether you're reading aloud or chatting about what each of you is enjoying.

3. Go Beyond the Book  

• Talk about stories: 

Have conversations about the characters, plot, and themes. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and opinions.

• Link reading with writing: 

Inspire them to write their own stories, poems, or draw pictures based on their favorite books.

• Use technology to support reading: 

Explore audiobooks, e-books, and educational apps to add variety to their reading experience.

• Celebrate every achievement: 

Praise their reading efforts—whether they finish a book, sound out a tough word, or simply enjoy a story. Every step counts!

Conclusion  

Experts agree that reading to your child every day is one of the most meaningful things a parent can do. To help kids fall in love with books, it's important to turn reading into a fun, interactive adventure. This means choosing books that match their age and interests, reading with enthusiasm, and letting them take the lead in picking stories. Creating a cozy, inviting space for reading, linking books to everyday experiences, and diving deeper into stories through chats and activities can all help build a lifelong love of reading.

Resources:  

https://www.colorincolorado.org/article/fun-and-effective-ways-read-children 

https://gradepowerlearning.com/resources/reading-tutoring/how-to-make-reading-fun/ 

https://everyday-reading.com/how-to-make-reading-fun-for-kids/