How to encourage good reading habits in kids

Reading is highly rewarding — for anyone. It allows you to stretch your imagination, relax, and think about situations from unique perspectives. Whether you prefer diving into non-fiction or escaping into a fantasy, there's a book for that. And, as a parent, you probably want your kids to enjoy books just like you do. Here are some ways you can encourage lifelong reading habits with your kids (and help them reap the benefits that go along with them).

Start reading to your child early

Your 6-month-old may not be able to recognize letters, but that doesn't mean they're not listening to you and starting to identify words. By reading to them, you introduce new words into their fast-growing vocabulary. 

Try to read to them daily, whether it's a short fairy tale or even an online news article. Varying your reading materials can reinforce cognitive development and boost language skills.

Create a reading-friendly environment

Find a special area in your home, and turn it into a comfy reading room, complete with a beanbag and comfortable chairs. Set up a bookshelf and add some of the best books to start a reading habit you think your kids may enjoy. This can even be graphic novels or comic books. If your kids will enter middle school soon, include some 6th or 7th grade books to further their reading skills.

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Be careful to avoid things that distract from reading, like a TV or electronic devices. That way, your kids can fully relax and concentrate on their book. 

Establish a consistent reading routine

What is your family's routine like? Are you on the go in the afternoons but settle in to relax after dinner? Are your kids too young for school, so they stay at home during the day? No matter what the days look like, find a consistent time in your schedule to set aside just for reading — and stick to it!

If your kids are little, you might read to them before they fall asleep each night. Setting 15 or 30 minutes aside for a few bedtime stories can help them unwind after a busy day. Older kids can benefit from the same routine, but they may want to read on their own. 

Share your own love for literature

You probably have a few books you adore. Try talking about your favorite books with your kids. You might explain part of the plot, but leave it at a cliffhanger and encourage your kids to read the book to discover what happens. 

The more you discuss reading and why you enjoy it, the more you'll pique your child’s interest. When they see that reading truly makes you happy, it can encourage them to develop their own strong reading habits.

Set up reading challenges with rewards

You probably participated in reading challenges as a child. Maybe your school held a summer reading program, and you earned a reward for finishing a book or two during your vacation. 

Try to initiate your own at-home reading challenge. Think of something your child wants, like a new video game, and make it the prize for reading 30 minutes each day. If they stick with it for a month, they earn the game. During the challenge, they'll reinforce their reading habits on their own — which is what you're hoping for!

Encourage interactive reading experiences

Reading interactively encourages deeper comprehension of the text. For example, when you read the script of a play aloud, it can help your kid better understand what's happening in the story. 

To read interactively, pick a book (any book) and take turns reading from it with your child. You can read a page or two out loud, then switch off. Make sure to enunciate phrases and exclamations and include pauses where necessary. You can also ask questions to help your kids think about what's going on in the book.

Allow kids to choose their reading materials

Your kids may have totally different reading tastes than you. Encourage their interests by letting them pick out their own types of books. You might take them to the local library and let them spend time among the shelves, looking for intriguing reading materials. 

You may also set reading materials around different parts of your home so kids always have access to books. The more chances they have to explore the vast variety of books available, the more excited they'll be about reading.

Integrate reading into daily life

One of the best ways to create a reading habit is to incorporate it into your daily routine. Think of reading as a mandatory part of your life, like sleeping or eating breakfast, and treat it the same way for your kids. 

For instance, if your kids read before bed at night, you might talk about their book on the way to school the next morning. Reading becomes second nature when books are a regular part of your daily lives.

Make reading a shared family activity

Reading doesn't have to be a solitary activity. Try to get the whole household together for a family book club. You might set aside one night of the week for reading rather than watching TV or doing other activities. During that time, everyone can get together and read their books. Or, you might find a book everyone can enjoy, and do an interactive reading session as a family activity.

Be patient and supportive of their reading pace

When kids start reading, they may need time to sound out words and read the text. Try to be patient and remember kids need time to build their reading skills — it won't happen overnight. As kids learn how to create a habit of reading, their comprehension skills will improve, increasing their reading pace.

Make reading a fun and enjoyable pastime

Reading is pleasurable, and you want your kids to relish it. Keep a positive attitude whenever you bring up reading with your kids or encourage them to pick up a book. Try not to treat it like a chore, which may have the opposite effect you're looking for. When kids associate reading with entertainment, they'll want to do more of it!

At Greenlight, we believe in empowering parents, teens, and kids with powerful tools to save, spend, and earn. Check out our Learning Center resources for parenting tips. From planning unique after-school activities to finding the best educational board games, we're here to help you out!