Reading is such a vital skill for our children to have, not only will they read every day of their lives but it allows them to explore new worlds, ideas and dream in ways they couldn't do other wise.
But raising a reader isn't always easy especially when reading doesn't always come easy for every child.
In my 9 years of homeschooling I have seen some of my children take off, reading with little to no effort and others struggle and decide they hate reading...until they finally start reading and realize how amazing it truly is!
Let me share 10 helpful ways to encourage your children to read and sign up below for our FREE summer reading log!
1. Read to your child!
This is by far my biggest suggestion. Either read to your child or listen to audio books with them every day. Yes listen with them, if they see you enjoy reading it will show them how important and exciting it is!
When your child listens to books their brain is making connections on how sentences are structures, learning vocabulary and learning stories can be fun!
2. Visit the Library
A trip to the library can really excite a child in picking a new book. If your reader is older and you want to make sure your child is finding quality books come prepared with a list of possible books.
3. Mix up the reading styles
Changing up the reading format can be a big help for some readers. I mentioned audio books which are great! Also consider graphic novels. There are so many different graphic novels available these days! Even older kids can enjoy snuggling up with a picture book or may enjoy an easier chapter book.
4. Turn off the electronics!
I am not perfect at this, but I have definitely found when my kids have lots of access to screens their drive to read tanks. Turn off electronics and give them some time to be bored! Maybe set the example by reading during this down time or offer to read to them.
The more the screens are off the more children may be willing to read instead.
5. Listen on the road
Another show out to audio books! We love to listen on long car rides. It can be somewhat difficult when the 4 year old gets fussy but for the most part we can listen for most of the trip.
I also like to bring books to read on trip when we have down time. Reading in the tent snuggled up while camping is one of my favorite times on our vacations!
6. Make reading a reward
One of my favorite ways to encourage my older kiddos to read is to tell them they can stay up a little extra at night if they read! Just be careful because my oldest started staying up WAY too late reading and we had to put a cap on how late he could read.
By making it something special associated with the privilege of staying up it has helped my older two boys really want to read at night.
7. Take it outside
Reading outside can be so much fun. I love to find a shady spot and enjoy a book!
You can encourage children to read outside by planning a picnic and having everyone bring a book to read after the meal. Or you could plan to read aloud to them!
8. Seek professional help
This isn't a tip, but it can be very important. If your child is struggling to read and you can't seem to find ways to help them consider seeking professional help. It can be hard to know if your child has a reading disability and professional evaluations can be very helpful with this.
We struggled with reading for several years before seeking professional help, I am so glad I did because it helped me understand my sons struggles and how I could help him.
9. Make it a game
I thought this looked so fun, at Crafting Chicks they have a Read-A-Thon Bingo game. There are many different fun reading games, you could do a reading scavenger hunt, bingo, and much more!
10. Set a goal!
We love to set goals when it comes to reading. The summer time is a great time of year to make some of these goals as our children aren't in school.
I made these fun summer reading logs where you can set what each pictures is work, it could be minutes, pages, chapters, books or what ever fits your child! Set a goal with your reader and a special reward.
Rewards don't have to be items, they could be staying up an extra night, a special date night or just about anything!
Last summer we set a family goal and my kids loved working towards a bowling night.
Reading logs are great for our young readers, but we should set the example as well. I included a variety of styles so older children and parents can join in! I included the farm theme for myself ;)
To receive all 5 Summer Reading Logs enter below!
Let me know in the comments which log your reader plans to use!
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