As parents, we all want to see our children succeed, and one of the most powerful ways to set them up for success is by helping them develop a love of reading.
Reading is not just about mastering words; it’s about opening doors to new worlds, developing empathy and strengthening cognitive and emotional skills. From bedtime stories to adventure-filled books, creating an environment where reading is fun and engaging can set the foundation for a lifelong love of learning.
So, how can you help your child develop a deep love of reading from an early age? Here are some simple yet effective tips and tricks, tried and tested by parents and experts, to make reading an exciting part of your child’s day:
1. Start early – the sooner, the better!
It’s never too early to start reading with your child. In fact, research shows that babies exposed to language-rich environments are better prepared for academic success when they enter school. Reading aloud to babies, even in the earliest months, can help them tune into sounds, rhythms and patterns of speech that form the foundation of language development.
For infants, choose soft, simple books with big, bright pictures. As they grow, introduce books with more complex storylines. And don’t forget to point to the pictures, even if your little one can’t yet read the words – this helps them understand that pictures and words work together to tell a story!
2. Make reading part of your daily routine
One of the best ways to make reading a habit is to weave it into your daily routine. Whether it’s a bedtime story, a morning read while sipping a warm cup of tea, or a mid-afternoon read to calm down after a busy play date, consistency is key. Children thrive on routine, and if reading becomes part of their daily rhythm, they’ll come to see it as an enjoyable and natural activity that brings them peace.
Try having a designated ‘reading time’ each day. You can turn it into a family ritual: Gather around in a cosy corner of the house with a blanket, pillows and a stack of books. Let your child pick the book or take turns choosing. The more you show that reading is important to you, the more likely your child will want to join in.
3. Let your child pick the books they love
One of the best ways to foster a love of reading is to allow your child to choose the books they want to read. While it’s tempting to push your favourite books on them, children are more likely to develop an interest in reading when they feel in control of their choices. Whether it’s books about dinosaurs, princesses, horses or tractors, letting your child pick what excites them will create a sense of ownership and excitement about reading.
Take regular trips to the library or bookshop together. Make it an adventure; let them explore the shelves, pick out a few titles and check them out together. You could even make a fun game out of it, like creating a ‘book scavenger hunt’ or a themed book challenge.
If you’re at home, try swapping out books every few weeks to keep things fresh and exciting.
4. Create a reading-friendly environment
Children are more likely to read if they have access to books that spark their curiosity. That means creating a space in your home which is inviting to readers. Set up a small reading nook in the corner of a room or dedicate a shelf to their favourite books. You don’t need to spend a lot of money; a comfy chair, soft cushions and a few well-loved books are enough to do the trick.
A few creative ideas for an engaging reading space:
- Book baskets – Use small baskets to hold books and rotate the selection regularly to keep it exciting.
- Wall of words – Add a wall decal or a poster with their favourite quotes or letters to encourage literacy.
- Storytelling props – If your child loves a specific story, you could include some props or stuffed animals that bring the story to life.
Having a space dedicated to reading can make your child feel like reading is a special activity – one that is all their own.
5. Lead by example – be a reading role model
Children are keen observers and tend to mimic what they see. If they see you reading books, magazines or newspapers, they will learn that reading is something adults value, too. By showing them that reading is a pleasurable, rewarding activity, you can motivate your child to make it part of their own routine.
Take time to read in front of your children. Whether it’s a chapter from your latest novel or browsing through a magazine, let them see that you find joy in reading. You could even share snippets of what you’re reading with them: “This article is really interesting, look at this cool fact!” – and invite them to ask questions. This models both reading for pleasure and the idea that reading opens door to new knowledge.
6. Bring stories to life – act it out!
One of the best ways to make stories come alive is to act them out. Children love engaging with stories through role-play, and it can make the experience even more immersive. If your child loves a certain book, act it out together, using props, costumes or even just your voices. You can mimic the characters’ voices or create fun sound effects to make the story more entertaining.
Not only does this encourage them to understand the plot and characters, but it also helps develop their imagination and creativity. Role-playing also fosters a deeper connection to the book and encourages critical thinking – how might the characters behave differently in a new scenario? They can even add their own ideas to expand the storyline!
7. Make reading interactive – ask questions
As your child grows, you can begin to introduce discussions around the books they read. Ask questions that go beyond “What happens next?”. Encourage them to predict the outcome of a story, identify the moral lessons or express how they think the characters are feeling. By engaging them in conversation about the story, you encourage higher level thinking skills, making reading a more interactive experience.
Some great questions to ask include:
- “What would you do if you were the main character?”
- “How do you think the character feels right now?”
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “What was your favourite part of the story?”
These types of questions help your child connect more with the story, develop empathy and even improve their comprehension skills. We want to encourage children to understand and engage with what they’re reading, after all.
8. Celebrate reading milestones
Celebrating small milestones in your child’s reading journey can keep their excitement high. Whether it’s finishing their first book or reaching at a new level, take the time to acknowledge their achievement. You could celebrate by allowing them to choose a new book or by creating a ‘Reading Star’ chart or reading log where they can track their progress.
A small reward or recognition goes a long way in building their self-esteem and motivation. But the ultimate reward will be seeing them develop a love for reading – one that lasts a lifetime!
Conclusion
Reading is an essential skill, but it’s also an exciting adventure that can bring joy and a sense of wonder to your child’s life. By making reading an enjoyable, interactive and consistent part of your daily routine, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of books and stories.
Educational resources from Twinkl can help you nurture a love of reading in your child. Remember, the goal isn’t to force them to read but to make reading a natural, fun and enriching activity. With patience, creativity and a little bit of imagination, you can inspire your child to fall in love with the world of books – and the possibilities are truly endless!
Image credit: prostooleh/Freepik