Tifton Moms

Now that school is back in session, we’re all thinking about how our kids are doing in school, and how to help them succeed. And if your child is just learning to read this school year or is a struggling reader, you realize how important reading is in that journey! While raising a reader can feel like a struggle, especially in our modern world of endless screens, you can do it! All it takes is some consistency and creativity, and we have some great tips on how to make it happen in this article.

Make reading part of your routine.

If it’s not already, it’s important to make reading a part of your routine to raise a reader. That will look different for every family but building reading into your natural rhythm will help take some of the pressure off. Some ideas to make reading a part of your family’s routine include:

• Reading at bedtime (even to older kids!).
• Your child reading to you in the car afterschool.
• Listening to an audiobook on a long commute to school.
• Turning on the subtitles on your TV. (It sounds silly, but there are studies suggesting turning on the subtitles can double the chances of your child becoming a good reader.)
• Having a designated time in the afternoon or evening afterschool for reading, whether that’s reading together or independently.

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Visit the local library.

If you’re not already, visiting your local library can be a great way to encourage your kids to read. Sometimes when children are reluctant to read, it can be because they haven’t found the right book or genre that clicks with them. With all the local options at the library (and the expertise of the staff), your child is sure to find something interesting to them. The library is great too because it gives your child the opportunity to pick—if they want a joke book or a book about dinosaurs, or a graphic novel—it’s at the local library. The library also has audiobooks, magazines, early readers, and lots of other resources to help your child get interested in reading. Plus, they have lots of free programs like storytime, family dinner book club, bookies and cookies, and so much more that can help your child develop a positive (and fun association) with reading and books.

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Make reading fun.

Reading for kids can often feel like a chore, and as parents, we can often contribute to this with positioning reading as part of this massive daily checklist of brushing your teeth, cleaning your room, finishing your homework…and reading for X amount of time. Somedays, you may just need to get it checked off, but try to make reading fun whenever and however you can. Some of our favorite ideas include:

• Attending local library programs.
• Hosting a book club for your child and their friends.
• Have a special snack or beverage when you and your child read together (hot chocolate is one of our favorites!).
• Bring books to life. (Our family once made a whole Little House on the Prairie Themed Meal after finishing the series.)
• Plan a special movie night of the film adaptation after you finish a book together.
• Build your child’s confidence in reading with “easier” material if they are really struggling.
• Sign up for a monthly magazine for your child. (They’ll love checking the mail for it!)
• Have your child set up a special storytime for all their favorite stuffed animals.

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Create a reading culture at home.

When we think of our child reading, it can be easy to focus on just them, but the truth is, it starts with us! Work to create a reading culture at home as a family, so your child knows this activity is important. Some of our favorite ideas include:

• Setting up a cozy reading nook.
• Keeping books nearby (in bedrooms, beside the couch, even in the car!).
• Read books aloud together—at bedtime, at breakfast, after dinner, anytime! Even if you think your child is too old or won’t enjoy it, just try it. (Doing some silly voices never hurts to help keep them engaged!)
• Let the kids see you reading, whether it’s fiction, nonfiction, a magazine, a devotional, or a cookbook!

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Be patient.

As much as we want things to happen automatically, sometimes it takes a little while for reading to click for some kids. Be patient and keep offering different options. Try comic books or graphic novels, biographies of their favorite celebrity, listen to audiobooks together (especially helpful if your child suffers from dyslexia), or interactive books with flaps and large photos (think Guinness World Record Books or Ripley’s Believe or Not). All of these things are working as exposure to books and reading, and if you’re patient, it will pay off.

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Tifton Moms is a resource dedicated to the moms and families of Tifton, Georgia and beyond to help them find the information they need about events in Tifton and Southwest Georgia, resources in Tifton and beyond, educational tips, and so much more. We are passionate about all things parenting and our community, and we want to connect you to relevant resources, local businesses, can’t-miss events, and each other! Find more helpful articles at https://tiftonmoms.com/blog/.