The Ultimate FUN Guide for Reading with your Child!

Many parents are often disappointed when their children don't want to read at home. But why? Is it something that you did wrong? Is there something wrong with your child?! Are they going to struggle in school because of this? For the first question, read this blog post for encouraging your child to read. For the other questions, no. There is most likely nothing wrong with your child, and they probably won't struggle if they don't enjoy reading. But if they CAN learn to enjoy it, the benefits become exponential.

We all want our kids to read. But a lot of that is on us as parents. In the classroom, teachers have much more authority than you do at home to just say - "Sit down and read this book for 40 minutes." If you tried that at home with an unenthusiastic reader, then the results will probably not be the same.

So...let's make it fun!

Here are 10 suggestions for making reading fun with your child:

1. Make it interactive: Reading should not be a passive activity. Encourage your child to actively participate in the story by asking questions, making predictions, and creating illustrations. This will help your child to better understand and remember the content.

2. Use technology: Many children are more interested in technology than traditional books. Consider using e-books, audiobooks, or reading apps to make reading more engaging and interactive. Some people would even recommend Story Eggs!

3. Read aloud: Reading aloud to your child is a great way to promote a love of reading. Not only will your child hear the words pronounced correctly, but it also allows them to listen and engage with the story.

4. Create a reading corner: Create a special reading area in your home where your child can relax and read. Make sure it is comfortable, quiet, and filled with age-appropriate books.

5. Play reading games: There are many reading games that parents can play with children to make reading more fun. For example, you can play "reading bingo" or "book charades" to make reading interactive and engaging.

6. Set reading goals: Set reading goals for your child and help them track their progress. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and encourage them to read more.

7. Reward your child: When your child reaches a reading goal, reward them with something they enjoy, such as a toy or an activity. This will help to motivate them to read more.

8. Visit the library: Visiting the library together is a fun and educational activity. Your child can pick out books that interest them and learn about the library's resources. Children love to feel like they're in control of their own learning. The educational buzzword for this is 'student agency'.

9. Read together: Reading together is a great way to bond with your child and promote a love of reading. It also allows you to discuss the story and its themes with your child.

10. Get involved in book clubs: Joining a book club is a great way to make reading fun and social. Your child will have the opportunity to discuss the book with other children and make new friends.

By making reading interactive, using technology, reading aloud, creating a reading corner, playing reading games, setting reading goals, rewarding your child, visiting the library, reading together and getting involved in book clubs, parents can help their children develop a love of reading and improve their reading skills.

Reading can be a fun and engaging activity that parents and children can enjoy together, and by following these tips, parents can help their child learn to love reading and improve their reading skills.