Do you remember going on a trip to visit a grandparent or aunt, and lugging along your cherished book? Or maybe you were the kid who brought a book to the beach and couldn’t wait to lie in the sun and just read, like the adults?
Now, as a parent with visions of happening upon your little ones lost in a book, you might be wondering how it was that you fell in love with reading. What’s the secret to getting kids hooked on books?
Help your child find books about topics that excite them
For the ‘squigglies’ among children and for the gamers, the first step is often about matchmaking: They just haven’t found the right book yet. But it’s out there!
Whatever else your child is into—soccer or jewelry or Ancient Egyptians or dirt biking or horses—there’s a book out there with a character that shares that love, or a nonfiction title with all kinds of facts, and that book will light up your child’s eyes.
Get your child to share their very favorite interests and get them to join in doing a book search online, or ask a children’s librarian for recommendations.
Let them read whatever kinds of books they want to read
Maybe you loved the classics and can’t wait to start reading Little House on the Prairie together, and Captain Underpants seems a far cry. Well, your Little House days may come, but right now, the focus is on just letting reading be fun for your child that day. Reading is reading, so be open to letting your child stay with graphic novels or comics or even nature magazines if that’s what they’re into right now.
They’re starting to associate reading with pleasure, and there’s a good chance reading will become a lifelong thing they do.
Let them experience the pride of their very own books
There really is something about having a book of your very own, and writing ‘This Book Belongs to Ava.’ They’ll start to see themselves as a reader and feel that pride.
Of course, since children go through so many phases of things that interest them (last month it was cement trucks, now it’s dinosaurs) this could become a pricey endeavor, so families can always lean on libraries for quick reads and trying out new authors, and then gift a child special books for birthdays.
Another great way to help kids discover books they love and the pride of book ownership for cheap is through thrift stores and used book sales. At the upcoming 20th Calgary Reads Big Book Sale, among 175,000+ books of all genres, you’ll find 51 tables of gently used children’s books, from classic picture books about farm animals, to bestselling young adult novels about teen vampires exploring identity. The best part? Most children’s books are only $2—so it’s heaps of fun to hunt for treasures and head home to pore over old favorites and new finds. Plus, proceeds support agencies that help other children get books and reading role models—so it’s a double win!
Take time to read together and build skills
Now, for the real magic: cuddling up together at bedtime (or anytime) with a book your kiddo just can’t wait to read. How can you keep it going? You’ve got to help build the confidence as well as the joy.
wee read is a free, online tutorial that helps caregivers learn how to help children deepen their reading skills. It’s hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area (one of several Big Book Sale proceeds recipients), and it’s guided by early literacy experts who’ve been in your shoes.
Happy reading!
The 2024 Calgary Reads Big Book Sale will be held May 10-22 at the Calgary Curling Club. Learn all about how to donate books, shop books, and contribute to a thriving, reading community: bigbooksale.ca. You can help your child become a stronger reader any time through weeread.ca.
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