Reading is one of the most beneficial activities for children. They develop language and communication skills, learn about new topics, and can visualize fiction stories, boosting their imagination.

You probably gathered many books throughout the years for your children to be able to read. Now that it’s summer, you want your children to continue their learning in some form, which is why summer reading is perfect for them. However, reading isn’t always the most popular choice of activity. Some kids have a knack for reading, and others can use a bit more motivation and encouragement to dive into books rather than diving into the pool every day.

Parents are the biggest motivators, and you can change your kids’ attitudes towards reading by making it exciting and appealing. Here are some ways to encourage your children to read this summer, which hopefully will turn it into a lifelong habit!

Reading is one of the most beneficial activities for children. Parents can change their kids’ attitudes towards reading by making it exciting and appealing.

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Make Books Accessible

First, if you want to encourage your children to read, you have to make books accessible. Put books everywhere in your house — stash them in their bedroom, living room, playroom, kitchen, and everywhere else.

Place books in your vehicles, too! You can even add audiobooks or e-books to their electronic devices. When you surround your child with reading material, they’ll be more likely to pick up a book or magazine on their own to read.

Read With Your Children

Reading with your children will encourage them to read on their own time. Begin this when they’re infants. Choose a book you regularly read to them that will become a favorite of theirs to read again and again.

When you read with your children, you create a bond with them, and they’ll associate reading with comfort and security. They’ll also learn how to read, like reading left to right and top to bottom and using your index finger as a guide.

Model a Love for Reading

Children look up to their parents for nearly everything. They learn your behaviors, talk like you talk, and may even enjoy the same activities you do. When you model a love for reading, your children will want to do the same.

Make sure you’re regularly reading if you want to encourage your children to read. The more often they see you with a book in your hand, the more likely they’ll pick up a book, too. You don’t always have to read a novel — read maps, recipes, magazines, and instructions.

Establish a Reading Routine

Getting your children into a routine is an effective way to encourage them to read. Usually, summer doesn’t have a strict schedule, so it’s beneficial to add some structure to your children’s day. Create incentives for reading, too, like giving them a snack or watching a movie.

Great times to establish a reading routine are right after your child wakes up, before naptime, after dinner, or before bedtime. These are times when your child has focus and is calm enough to listen to a story or read one.

Read Books With a Visual Adaptation

Children learn a lot by seeing. Choose to read books that have a visual adaptation, like a television show or a movie. When your child finishes reading a book, they can watch the adaptation.

After they read and watch, you can use that as a way to stir up a discussion. Ask your child how they visualized the book and any differences between the book and the movie. Ensure that the film or television show is age-appropriate, too.

Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Although you don’t need a special place to read a book, it might help first-time readers. Reading nooks offer a cozy space where your children can access their books and have quiet time to read.

Set up a corner of their bedroom or your living room as a designated reading spot. Add pillows, soft lighting, and blankets, as well as a small bookshelf with your child’s favorite stories.

Offer a Variety of Genres

Make sure you offer a variety of genres and types of reading materials. Only providing 300-page novels to your kids may deter them from reading because a book that size can look overwhelming.

When choosing reading materials, ensure they’re age-appropriate and at your child’s reading level. Offering various reading materials and genres helps your child realize that reading is everywhere and a necessary life skill.

Visit a Local Library

Another great way to encourage your children to read is by taking them to the local library. Many libraries offer summer reading programs and even weekly activities to help get your child involved in community life and reading.

Make going to the library an adventure. Get a library card for your children and establish a good relationship with the librarian.

Making Reading Fun

With these tips, you’ll turn your children into book worms! Reading is everywhere, and it’s a great skill to enhance through regular reading. Your children will love bringing stories to life and won’t be able to wait to get into the next book!