Fun reading activities
“Reading is the gateway for children that makes all other learning possible.”
– Barack Obama
Reading is one of the most important skills that a child can learn, and fostering a love of reading is essential for a child’s long-term academic success. Here are some ideas to help your child want to pick up a book and read and be read to!
- Start Early
One of the best things you can do to foster a love of reading in your child is to start early. Read to your child from the day they are born, and make sure that reading is a part of your daily routine. Even if your child is too young to understand the words, the act of being read to will help them develop a love of books and reading. - Make it Fun
Reading shouldn’t be a chore, so it’s important to make it fun for your child. Choose books that are engaging and exciting, and make reading a part of your child’s playtime. You could act out stories or make up your own stories with your child. This will help your child associate reading with fun and enjoyment. - Let Your Child Choose
Letting your child choose their own books is a great way to help them develop a love of reading. Take your child to the library or bookstore and let them browse the shelves. Encourage them to choose books that interest them, even if they’re not the books you would have chosen. - Read Together
Reading together is a great way to bond with your child and foster a love of reading. Set aside time each day to read with your child, and make it a special time that you both look forward to. This could be at bedtime, before naptime, or just as a quiet time in the afternoon. - Be a Role Model
Children learn by example, so it’s important to be a role model for your child when it comes to reading. Make sure that you are reading in front of your child and that you are showing them how much you enjoy it. This will help your child see that reading is an enjoyable and worthwhile activity. - Make Reading a Habit
Making reading a habit is important for developing a love of reading. Set aside time each day for reading, and make it a part of your child’s routine. This will help your child see reading as a natural and enjoyable part of their day. - Celebrate Reading
Finally, it’s important to celebrate reading with your child. When your child finishes a book, celebrate their accomplishment with them. You could have a special treat or take them on a special outing to celebrate their love of reading.
Fostering a love of reading in your young child is essential for their long-term academic success. By starting early, making it fun, letting your child choose, reading together, being a role model, making it a habit, and celebrating reading, you can help your child develop a lifelong love of books and reading.
Here are some fun reading activities to engage children and make reading an enjoyable experience:
- Storytelling Relay: Start reading a story aloud, and at a suspenseful moment, stop and let your child continue the story. Take turns adding to the plot, creating a collaborative storytelling experience.
- Character Interviews: Choose a character from the book and have your child pretend to be a journalist interviewing that character. They can ask questions about the character’s thoughts, feelings, and motivations.
- Create a Book Nook: Design a cozy reading corner with cushions, blankets, and soft lighting. Let your child pick out books to read in this special space.
- Book-themed Craft: Choose a book and create a craft related to its theme. For example, if you’re reading a book about animals, make animal masks or puppets.
- Word Hunt: While reading, pick a specific word (e.g., “sun”) and challenge your child to find and mark every occurrence of that word in the book.
- Book Scavenger Hunt: Hide a series of books around the house and create clues that lead your child to each book. Once they find a book, read it together.
Choosing toys and materials can be so confusing!
Here are some of our suggestions to promote a love of reading, which includes fun reading activities!
What does the research say?
Research has shown that reading is extremely important for children’s cognitive, language, and social development. Here are some key findings from recent journal articles:
- Early literacy skills predict academic success: According to a study published in the journal Early Childhood Research Quarterly, children who develop strong early literacy skills are more likely to have academic success in later years, including higher achievement in reading, writing, and math.
- Reading aloud to children improves language development: A study published in the Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics found that reading aloud to young children promotes language development and can lead to larger vocabularies, stronger comprehension skills, and higher levels of phonological awareness.
- Reading improves social skills: Reading can also help children develop social skills, such as empathy, perspective-taking, and understanding of other cultures. A study published in the Journal of Research in Reading found that reading fictional stories can improve children’s social cognition and understanding of others’ emotions.
- Reading enhances brain development: A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that reading to young children stimulates brain development, particularly in the areas of language, literacy, and cognitive skills. The study also found that reading regularly to children can improve their attention span and focus.
- Reading promotes a love of learning: According to a report published by the National Institute for Literacy, reading can help children develop a love of learning and a curiosity about the world around them. Children who enjoy reading are more likely to be motivated to learn and to do well in school.