From Magazines to Movie Nights: Fresh Ideas to Get Kids Reading
Why Reading Matters for Children
Every parent wants their child to develop strong reading skills, but fostering a love for books can be challenging—especially as kids grow older and schedules become busier. Research has consistently shown that regular reading significantly impacts vocabulary, comprehension, and overall academic success. According to the National Education Association, children who are read to for just 20 minutes a day are exposed to approximately 1.8 million words per year, providing them with a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
While bedtime stories are a cherished routine in many households, sustaining a child’s interest in reading requires creativity and adaptability. Here are some fresh, engaging ways to make reading a natural and enjoyable part of your family’s daily life.
1. Subscribe to Kid-Friendly Magazines
Make Reading Exciting with Monthly Mail
If your child enjoys flipping through colorful pages and discovering new topics, a magazine subscription might be the perfect reading tool. Magazines cater to a variety of interests, from science to sports, making them an excellent option for reluctant readers. Popular choices include Highlights, National Geographic Kids, and Ranger Rick.
How to Get Started:
Allow your child to choose a magazine based on their interests.
Opt for a one-year subscription to keep excitement high.
Visit your local library to preview options before subscribing.
2. Make Library Visits a Family Tradition
Turn the Library Into an Adventure
Libraries are treasure troves of stories waiting to be explored. Many libraries offer interactive areas with puzzles, crafts, and educational games, making visits fun and engaging for children.
Ways to Maximize Your Library Trips:
Set a weekly or biweekly library visit schedule.
Encourage kids to explore different genres and series.
Participate in library-hosted events like storytime or book reading challenges.
3. Create a Family Book Reading Challenge
Motivate Kids with Goals and Rewards
Children thrive on goals, and a family reading challenge can turn reading into an exciting game. Websites like Goodreads allow families to track progress, rate books, and set reading milestones.
How to Create a Book Reading Challenge:
Set a family goal, such as reading a certain number of books per month.
Use visual progress charts to keep kids engaged.
Celebrate achievements with small rewards, like a special outing or extra bedtime story.
4. Watch the Movie, Then Read the Book
Use Movies as a Gateway to Books
While many adults prefer reading the book before watching the movie, kids may find it easier to engage with a story they’ve already seen. Movies provide visual context and spark curiosity about the book’s details.
Try This Approach:
Choose a book-based movie your child will enjoy (Wonder, The BFG, Harry Potter).
Watch the movie together and discuss favorite scenes.
Read the book afterward to compare differences and deepen comprehension.
5. Share Your Childhood Favorites
Pass Down the Stories You Love
Children love hearing stories that their parents once enjoyed. Your enthusiasm for a book can be contagious, making the reading experience even more special.
Some Timeless Classics to Share:
Reading these stories together also helps introduce children to books slightly above their independent reading level, enhancing their vocabulary and comprehension.
6. Host a Themed Book Night
Make Reading a Full-Sensory Experience
Turn book reading into an interactive event by pairing stories with themed dinners or activities. This makes reading more immersive and memorable.
Ideas for Themed Book Nights:
Harry Potter Series: Enjoy fish and chips with homemade butterbeer.
How Mom and Dad Learned to Eat: Practice using chopsticks together.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar: Prepare a colorful fruit platter based on the book’s foods.
7. Listen to Audiobooks on the Go
Expand Reading Beyond the Page
If your child struggles with traditional reading or has a busy schedule, audiobooks can be a fantastic alternative. Listening to books exposes children to new words and storytelling techniques, even when they’re on the move.
How to Introduce Audiobooks:
Borrow free audiobooks from your local library.
Let your child vote on a book for family road trips.
Play audiobooks during quiet activities like coloring or before bedtime.
8. Incorporate Reading Into Daily Life
Make Reading a Habit, Not a Chore
Reading doesn’t have to be limited to books alone. Encourage literacy in everyday moments by integrating reading into various activities.
Simple Ways to Encourage Daily Reading:
Read menus together at restaurants.
Encourage kids to read street signs and grocery lists.
Ask them to read instructions when building a toy or cooking a recipe.
Conclusion: Create a Lifelong Love for Reading
Reading should be an enjoyable, natural part of family life—not a forced activity. By incorporating creative strategies like magazine subscriptions, themed book nights, and audiobook adventures, you can instill a lifelong passion for reading in your child. Remember, fostering a love of reading takes patience and adaptability, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
With these practical and fun ideas, you can help your child fall in love with books while creating lasting family memories. Try a few of these strategies today and see which ones work best for your family!
