Motivating Kids to Read

Most parents recognise the importance of reading. However, some parents find it daunting to motivate their kids to read. Here are some tips:

(1) Read aloud with your child.

While reading aloud to your child, discuss the story or engage in role play. Make the read aloud session fun. For example, children love to make sound effects. You can give your child some props to make sound effects as you read. This added interaction adds a fun element to reading.

(2) Look for books that your child might like.

Use their interests and hobbies as starting points. For example, my nephews, who were fans of Thomas the Train, started to enjoy reading when they read books on their beloved train.

(3) Take your child to the library regularly.

Children like to go on family outings. Make the library one of the weekend haunts for the family. Let them choose a few books themselves.

(4) Set aside a time slot for reading daily.

For example, everybody settles down to read for 15 to 20 minutes after dinner. You can even encourage the kids to organise a quiz based on the book that they are reading.

(5) Make reading materials available and accessible.

Surround the kids with books and other reading materials. They will grow up and view books as part of their daily life.

(6) Read yourself.

If the kids see that you read and you enjoy reading, they are more likely to develop the same habit and pursue the same activity.

(7) Use movie or video tie-ins.

Get the kids interested in reading a book by watching a related movie first. Here are some examples of movies (suitable for different age groups) that are based on books: "Where the Wild Things Are", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Hunger Games", "Charlotte's Web" and many others.

(8) Listen to audio books.

(9) Read what your child is reading.

Read your children's books so that you can engage them in a fun discussion.

(10) Reward your child for reading.

When the children are younger, give them some small rewards for reading. For example, after they have read for half an hour, they get to watch their favourite educational DVD or go down to the playground to play. When they are older and reading becomes part and parcel of their daily lives, rewards will no longer be necessary.

~ Serena's Greenhouse