Not much makes this mama happier than knowing my kids love books. While they do occasionally try to use old board books as skate pads, they actually enjoy reading the stories too.
Before we had children, we knew that we wanted to instill a love for reading but we had a pretty big problem. My husband and I are not big readers. So, before our first was born we had some ideas on setting a good example. They weren’t good ones but included things like packing books in my purse everyday for the commute to work, wearing sunglasses to disguise my resting eyes, or hiding a Game Boy inside an open book to appear that my husband was reading.
Thankfully we never had to test those ideas out. Our kids love books. They will ask to read everyday throughout the day - not just at bedtime. So, this year we’re signing up for the Summer Reading program at our local library and with Borders. The library program is great - we did it last year and I‘m sure most have a similar program with rewards for the kids. The Borders Kid’s Reading Challenge rewards them with 50% off any book after they’ve read 8 books.
I often hear from friends that they wish their child enjoyed books more. It’s not always easy, that’s for sure. But here’s a few simple ideas that might help:
1. Keep books around the house, car, etc. so that they’re seen often and your children have easy access to them - make them more visible than toys! We keep our library books along with our magazines in a basket on our coffee table so they’re a constant reminder.
2. Read together often. Sometimes bedtime is the only time that works and it’s better than nothing! This summer, try reading outside on a blanket under your favorite tree or on the beach.
3. Make it enjoyable. Find books or themes they already have interest in. Marcelena loves to dance and has fallen in love with many books, but is especially fond of Angelina Ballerina. She could listen to her stories all day long.
For me, other than my favorite magazines, reading has never been a joy. Nor for my husband - which makes us scratch our head when we see our kids choose books over toys at times! But we did a couple things that we believe made a big difference: we read to them from the day they were born (really. I felt pretty silly at times reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a newborn but I did it!). And we try to never say no to a request for reading. So, even though I might not have time, I’ll do my best to at least tell them a story as I’m racing around the house in the morning.
Does your child enjoy books too? What did you do to encourage them? How are you supporting the reading habit throughout the summer? We’d love to hear your ideas!
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