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Encouraging reading Encouraging reading

Encouraging reading

Research has shown that children who enjoy reading and spend more time reading for pleasure have better reading and writing skills, a broader vocabulary, and even an increased general knowledge and understanding of other cultures.


But with so many other activities competing for children’s time, how can you encourage your child to read for pleasure?

 

Here are some tips for encouraging reading in your home:

 

  • Ensure that your children see you reading. It doesn't matter if it's the newspaper, a cookery book, a romantic novel, a detective mystery, short stories, a computer manual... anything!
  • Encourage children to join in - ask a child to read out a recipe for you as you cook, or the TV listings when you are watching TV
  • Give, and encourage others to give, books/book tokens as presents
  • Encourage children to carry a book at all times – you can do this too!
  • Read with your children - many books are enjoyed by adults and young people alike - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon for example. It's great to read books you can all talk about, but make the talk light-hearted, not testing and over-questioning
  • Go to libraries/bookshops when authors are visiting. Children love meeting their favourite writers - Jacqueline Wilson and Anthony Horowitz always have signing queues that are miles long
  • Make sure your home is a reading home - have a family bookshelf and make sure there are shelves in your children's bedrooms as well
  • Don't panic if your child reads the same book over and over again - be honest, we've probably all done it!
  • Encourage your children and their friends to swap books with each other - this will encourage them to talk and think about the books they are reading.

 

Want your child to read more great books?

Your public library should be able to help. Your child can join your local library and take out for free. You'll also be able to get other reading recommendations for your child as well as advice on how you can help your child read for pleasure. Find your nearest local library.