I have one kiddo that will read for hours on end and another who was reluctant to learn to read and still refuses to admit or believe that reading could every be anything but a chore. I blame his Dad’s genetics! I refuse to give up hope that he might someday read for fun, and I am constantly on the hunt for books that might catch his interest, and incentives that might spark some motivation! I know that I am not the only Mama out there trying to encourage more reading, especially through out summer. I know some people aren’t crazy about “bribing” children to read…I am okay with it. To be honest, I love reading, but when there is an adult reading challenge at the library I read a little more! Even if my kids are reading more for the prizes than the joy of it, they are still reading, and the more you read the better you get, and I believe the easier reading becomes the more they will start to enjoy it! Being forced to read will only bring about a stronger distaste for reading, but maybe, just maybe earning fun prizes while reading will result in more positive feelings about reading! So, here are a few fun ways to encourage more reading (and listening) in your home!
INDIVIDUAL READING
FAMILY READING
2. Read a book and watch the movie– Pick a read aloud that has been made into a movie. After reading the book have a family movie night to view the movie!
Some of our favorite book and movie combos include:
If you have a younger crowd you could try Horton Hears a Who
This summer I’m hoping we can try Alice in Wonderland, and Because of Winn Dixie.
3. Start a Pass it on Book– Find a book you would like to read and buy a used copy. (Or check it out from the library, and if everyone enjoys it buy a copy) Sign the front cover and date it, maybe even add a note about you favorite part and then pass it on to another family. Encourage them to pass it on when they are finished.
4. Celebrate finishing a read aloud with a BOOK PARTY. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, but when you finish a read aloud, celebrate it by setting aside a little time to discuss what you liked, or did not like about the book. You can have everyone illustrate their favorite part. Make it extra special by including some snacks, bonus points if they are themed snacks!
5. Set a reading time- and join in! I know it’s sometimes hard to sit down with a book when there are so many other things on your to-do list, but I think allowing your kids to see you prioritizing and enjoying reading can be a great way to encourage them to read. My oldest son loves when we sit side by side on the couch or in his bed and read our books together. Try designating a reading time for everyone to participate. If you are struggling to get buy in try adding some snacks or switching up the location…outside in the yard, at a local park, in mom’s bed, build a fort. Littles can look at books or listen to audiobooks.
6. Set a READ ALOUD goal for the family. Set a goal for the number of read alouds you want to complete as a family. When you reach the goal have an ice cream or pizza party to celebrate! Spend a few moments remembering the books you read and maybe even vote on a family favorite!
7. Try out some audiobooks. My kids love to listen to audiobooks. We especially like to listen on car trips. Both sets of grandparents live about 3 hours away, we can often finish a book in one trip there and back. We use the HOOPLA app through our library to borrow and listen to books for free.
8. Go with a Theme. I love a good theme, and that love definitely extends to reading. Pick a fun summery theme and find books that fit the theme. There are tons of themed book list on Pinterest, or you can go to your library website and try searching by topic and put them on hold. Read them all week or have a special reading session and read through them all at once. For added excitement you can even plan a little snack or activity to go with it.
Here are some fun themes you might enjoy this summer:
You could also choose a topic that your child is very into like a specific animal, dinosaurs or whatever they might enjoy. Another fun thing to do is to get a stack of books by the same author. The Give a Mouse a Cookie Series is super fun and you could watch the show on Prime as another fun add on activity.
Here are the printables if you want to join the fun!
What are your favorite ways to inspire more reading in your home?
Cheers to making memories with books all summer long!
Meg
