Seven Tips On How To Help Kids Develop Good Reading Habits

MAKE READING A DAILY HABIT
You can start raising a reader from the day your child is born. Make reading a routine by sharing a book with your child before bedtime. Babies respond to the soothing rhythm of a voice reading aloud, as well as to being cuddled on a warm lap.

READ IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILD
Whether you love books, magazines, or graphic novels, let your child see you reading. Kids learn from what they observe. If you’re excited about reading, your child is likely to catch your enthusiasm.

CREATE A READING SPACE
Your reading space doesn’t have to be big or have a lot of bookshelves. It can be a corner of the couch or a chair in the room where your child sleeps. Picking a comfy spot that has enough light and room to keep a book or two can help your child connect reading with coziness and comfort.

TAKE TRIPS TO THE LIBRARY
As your child gets older, the library is a great resource for exploring new books and authors for free. Many libraries also have story hours or other literacy programs for kids. Trips to the library give your child a chance to develop good reading habits and to see other kids doing the same.

FIND READING MOMENTS IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Reading isn’t just about sitting down with a good book. It’s a part of daily life, too. As you go through your day, help your child keep an eye out for “reading moments.” They may be as simple as reading road signs, grocery lists, or recipes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW KIDS READ
You may not be a teacher, but you are still your child’s first teacher. Knowing a little bit about what reading skills to expect at different ages can help you support your child’s reading