Five ways to get kids excited about reading
We love reading, but sometimes children need that little extra push. Whether you’re a parent or a teacher, here are five quick ways you can help children become more receptive to the idea of reading for pleasure.
1. Choose the right books
If a child doesn’t understand a book, they won’t enjoy it. If it’s too easy for them, they’ll quickly become bored. Whether you’re at home or in the classroom, it’s important to make sure your children and pupils are reading the right books for them, not necessarily their age group.
Once they’ve found something that’s pitched just right, it’ll be a lot easier for them to engage in the story, and for you to pick out their next read.
Not all children will like fiction – some may be more interested in reading about the real world, or some children may love poetry. Help to show them just how many wonderful and varied forms books can come in by trying out different genres, interactive features and illustrations. We firmly believe that there is no such thing as non-readers – they just haven’t found the right book!
3. Make books readily available
When there’s a quiet moment, make sure books are within reaching distance – encourage children to find them on their own (they’ll be much keener if they think it’s their idea!). An easy way to do this in a classroom or at home is simply to carve out a small space where you keep your books, and make sure they know they’re welcome to go and pick up a book of their own choosing whenever they want.
4. The magic of storytelling
Never underestimate the power of a great story well told – reading aloud, either to children or with them, is a fantastic way to get them excited about reading on their own. Take it one step further and encourage them to write their own stories, so they can see for themselves how much goes into creating one.
5. Reading isn’t homework!
Ok, so sometimes it might be. But it’s important to make a distinction between reading for pleasure, and reading because you have to. If they associate reading with homework, they may not want to do it – make sure they know that reading is something they can do whenever they want, in whatever way they want; and let them catch you reading, so they know that you love it, too!