Children who read for pleasure generally do better in school, develop into life-long learners, and have a healthier self-image. But what do you do if your child insists that reading is boring? Try a few of these creative ideas to inspire your child to read.
1. Dig Out a Passion
"Children often say they don't like to read because they've only read things chosen for them by others," says Helma Hawkins, director of Children's Services at the Kansas City Public Library. "Find out a subject your child is interested in and then find a selection of books or magazines on that subject and let her choose."
2. Consider Non-Fiction
Introduce biographies and explore historical events together. Take note of articles and special sections in the newspaper that might interest your child. Look for museum, community, and library events that further complement your child's interest in a particular subject.
3. Funny Favorites
Humorous series like Junie B. Jones and Captain Underpants keep kids returning for more. Comic books count, too!
4. You've Got Mail
Subscribe to children's magazines, which cover a variety of topics from wildlife and science to sports and fashion.
5. Story-Time Cooking
Cook something inspired by a book. Have your child read the recipe and assemble the ingredients. For example, read Little House on the Prairie, then try tackling a pioneer food recipe together. Check out The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder's Classic Stories by Barbara M. Walker for some ideas.
6. Movie Night!
If there is a movie to go with the book, read the book together, then watch the movie. Discuss whether the book or movie was better and why.
7. Set Goals
After your child meets a reading goal, reward her with a special treat or outing.
8. Tap Their Love of Technology
Download books to your e-reader or audio books to your child's MP3 player. Sign up to receive stories on your phone or iPad. Knowonder! offers free, original fiction stories written by professional children's authors, as well as non-fiction articles and opportunities for children to submit their own writing and artwork. Also, check out GuysRead, which offers ideas to get boys reading.
9. Read and Play
After reading a book, visit the author website or search for online companions to traditionally published books like the Magic Tree House series, which features online educational games to supplement the story. "I like that it combines two things that I want to teach (my kids): passion for reading and technology savvy," says Mandy Yokim, a mom of two.
10. How-To Books
Kids who enjoy science or constructing objects may enjoy books that explain how to conduct experiments, build a robot or car, or make paper airplanes.
11. Read Aloud Together
Continue reading together even after your child can read independently. Together, discuss a story's themes and difficult situations. Invite your child to critique and discuss how the story applies to the world as he knows it.
12. Make Reading Social
Start a kids book club or see if your library hosts one. "Peers are instrumental in getting kids to read," says Pam Rousselo, a fourth grade teacher. "If their friends are talking about books they like to read, that will motivate kids to read, too."
13. Going on Vacation?
Have your child go online to research the cost, location, hours and directions to an amusement park, museum, shopping mall or other site she wants to visit. And, ahem...don't forget to pack reading material for the trip!
