How To Encourage Your Child To Read More Books

Kids and teenagers today are reading fewer books for pleasure.

Gen Z spends 7 hours and 38 minutes every day on smartphones and social media reading and writing, but it’s not the same as reading books.

Reading books is an essential skill that contributes to the development of literacy comprehension skills, communication skills, and overall academic perfrmance.

Parents play a vital role in their child’s reading development, but only 2% report reading to their children every day.

1. Be a role model 

Make sure there are books on display at home, read in front of them, and talk to them about the books that you like to read.

Children learn by observing other people’s behaviours and copying it.

If your child sees that you’re also reading a book or magazine, or even a newspaper, it’ll show them that it is fun and  important.

Read together before bedtime.

2. Start a kids’ book club

Turn reading into a social activity by starting a children’s book club. Invite neighbors or friends of a similar age, and take turns selecting books to read together.

Meet weekly or biweekly to discuss the stories, share thoughts, and even trade books. This is a great way for kids to develop both their social skills and their reading abilities. Knowing they’ll discuss the book with friends gives them extra motivation to keep reading.

3. Make your own book summaries

For creative kids, this is a fun project. After finishing a book, have them create their own booklets about it. They can draw pictures, write a summary, or even design a comic strip of their favorite scenes.

All you need is some paper, colored pencils, and a bit of imagination. By the end of summer, they’ll have a collection to show off, and it’s a great way for them to express what they’ve learned. They can also write reviews or create new book covers.

4. Set a summer reading challenge

Encourage your child to set reading goals or take on a summer reading challenge. For example, they might aim to read for 20 minutes each day or complete a certain number of books each month. Reward their efforts with small incentives when they reach their goals.

Make reading even more exciting by turning it into a friendly competition. Offer rewards like extra screen time, a new toy, or a special outing to motivate them to dive into their books.

You can track their progress on a chart and even involve friends to add a bit of competition. Before you know it, reading will become a central part of their summer activities.

5. Create a cozy reading nook

A cozy reading nook can make the experience of reading even more enjoyable. Let your child design their own little reading space—it doesn’t have to be elaborate. Some cushions, a beanbag, or a cozy spot in the garden will do the trick.

Allow them to personalize their nook with their favorite colors, posters, or a few soft toys. When they have a special place to retreat to with a book, reading feels more like a pleasure than a chore.

6. Visit the local library

Libraries are treasure troves for young readers, offering a vast selection of books and often hosting summer events. Make it a weekly outing where they can browse the shelves, pick out new books, and join any reading programs the library offers.

This simple routine helps foster a lasting love for reading.

7. Host a book-themed party

Turn reading into a celebration by hosting a book-themed event. You could organize a story-time picnic where everyone brings a book to share or plan a party where kids dress up as their favorite characters.

These events make reading a shared experience, adding to its appeal and making it more memorable.

8. Encourage creative writing

Why not pair reading with some creative writing? After finishing a book, encourage your child to write their own story or come up with an alternative ending.

They could also write letters to their favorite characters or keep a reading journal. This not only strengthens their connection to the stories they read but also helps improve their writing skills.