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Reading is both an essential skill and a tremendous joy. As our children grow and learn, they will need to develop reading skills for lifelong success and entertainment. The best way to encourage these skills is to start a consistent reading routine with your kids. We have four tips for you to read below as you add reading to your daily schedule.
Start Small
If your child isn’t used to reading every day or is just starting to develop reading skills, it’s best to start small. Choose books that are age appropriate and interactive. Young children often enjoy pop-up books with lots of colors. Even slightly older children will enjoy reading storybooks with lots of pictures and listening to you create sound effects while reading together.
Choose the Right Spot
You have the right books, now you need to choose the right reading spot. Ideally, you should find a place in your home with minimal distractions. Designating a quiet space allows your child to settle down and focus on the joy of reading. Formal living rooms or reading corners are great choices. Try to control all sensory input to help your child focus, such as dimming the lights to prevent overstimulation.
Set a Schedule
A consistent reading routine starts as a habit, just like a consistent nap schedule or mealtime. Choose a time during the day that works for you and your child, and go to your chosen spot with the chosen books. As you go to this location, talk about how excited you are to read together and what you’re looking forward to about the books. You’ll want to allow plenty of time for the reading routine because children may want to spend extra time admiring pictures, playing with pop-ups, or asking questions.
Make Reading Fun
Making reading fun will increase the chances of your kids loving to read exponentially! Use different voices to narrate different characters. Add fun details to the reading spot, such as a bean bag chair or a lava lamp. Allow your child to read aloud to their favorite toy. Whatever your child already loves doing, incorporate it into the reading routine. Making reading fun is one of the best ways to foster a love for books from an early age.
These four tips will help you start a consistent reading routine with your kids that everyone enjoys. Incorporate it into other parts of your life outside of the consistent routine to make reading extra fun and enjoyable. Attending local book events, watching book-based movies, and cooking book-themed foods can all make reading fun at any time.
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