I love to read! That’s one of the reason’s that I became a children’s librarian. Time spent in the pages of a book make me so unbelievably happy! However, that isn’t always the case. Not for many adults that I know, and not for many of the students that I know.
It doesn’t help at all that in today’s modern world, screens dominate so much of our daily lives. Books and reading are competing for attention with devices and gaming.
Yet, in order for kids to become better readers, they need to practice. The adults in their lives need to take extra steps to MAKE READING FUN. And, yes of course, that is possible!
When reading is fun, kids are more likely to choose their books over their devices. Reading regularly, for at least 20 minutes a day, has profound benefits for children. It positively affects their success in school, their ability to empathize with others, and their ability to focus and concentrate.
Here are a few ways that YOU can entice the kids in your life to read.
(1) Read in fun, cozy and unexpected places.
Create reading nooks surrounded by blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and favorite snacks and treats. Keep a book in the car for times when kids are waiting. Crawl into the bathtub … no water of course!
(2) Read everyday doing everyday things.
Think about all of the things in life that we need to read to be able to do successfully. Encourage kids to help read recipes and make treats. Have a kid crawl up next to you while you use the grocery flyer to create the weekly grocery list. Open and read the mail together.(3) Read a book at a totally unexpected time.
Oftentimes, kids can see being asked to read as a “punishment.” So make it fun and read when they are least expecting it. Use a flashlight to read at nighttime. Read the back of a cereal box at breakfast time. Plan a “booknik” and read while you are eating.
(4) Read with a special someone.
Kids crave attention with the people that they love. Encourage others to put down their devices to read with a kid. They could read with someone older or even to someone younger. They could use their device to read to a grandparent or older friend over the phone or Facetime.
(5) Gamify reading and complete reading challenges
So, if we aren’t able to beat those video games. Let’s turn reading into a game! There are tons of reading challenges and BINGO cards available for free on the Internet. Kids LOVE to check things off and track their progress. Let’s put it to good use!
It’s vital, as librarians, educators, and families that we prioritize time for reading! We get so busy in our daily routines, chores, and expectations that, often times, we don’t think that we have time to simply read. But, frankly, I believe that we MUST make time for simply reading. It is the very foundation upon which our learning is built!
Read more about the importance of incorporating Independent Reading into your day HERE.
