We may need to make effort to make reading time with our kids FUN.  

   Instead of “Okay, turn off devices, it’s time to read.”

   Response, “Ugh, just one more minute on my game, Mom….”

We have to figure out how to make this happen:

   Us, “Okay, it’s finally READING TIME!”

   With a response of, “Okay, be right there, Mom!”

HOW DO WE DO THIS?  Well, you may have some original tricks up your sleeve, based on what your kids enjoy.  If you’ve been reading my blog, I’ve already suggested some ideas, and I’m throwing in a few new ones too.  These are just some simple ways to possibly turn the response around:

1. Make regular trips to the library and let the kids pick out high-interest books. The more they read, the more they will figure out what types of books hold their attention.
2. Create a comfortable and cozy reading area– maybe some bean bag chairs or pillows and fluffy blankets.
3. Have some sort of organizational system- book baskets or cute shelving that the kids themselves organized and had some input into.
4. Incorporate instrumental music of their choice, making the ambiance calming and peaceful.
5. If you’re open to this, provide an easy snack like popcorn or fruit; just to entice them a bit more.
6. Ask them to think of “day ideas”, ways to extend what they’ve learned or read about.  The kids may come up with some field trip ideas, based on what they’re learning!
7. Provide the opportunity and means for the kids to write their own stories, if ideas start popping into their minds while reading.
8. Be a role model; you read while they are reading.  You may be reading to them, or if they’re old enough, read your own book.  This reinforces that this is a worthy way to spend our time.
9. Definitely let the pets hang out with them during this time (maybe this should be #1!)
10. Read the book first, and if this is appropriate and possible, THEN go watch the movie; reward time!
11. Create some artwork based on their favorite stories…..there are so many possibilities here.
12. Talk about it.   At dinner, ask them to tell you about what they’re reading or what you read together.   Encourage them and tell them that you’re proud of them.   Those words of support and love may have the greatest impact of all.

YOU may have more creative and more fun ideas of your own.   Please share, we’d love to hear them (below).  Let’s help each other make reading time something our kids look forward to.  I’d really like to hear this, “Is it time to read yet, Nona?!”  😊