How to read more with your kids
Children are naturally curious. They want to learn, discover, explore, imagine. So what better way to engage their curiosity than exposing them to literacy? As parents or caregivers, we can help our children learn how much joy it can bring when reading. No matter what age they are, most children love being read to. Not only does this offer families quality time together, but it also teaches children valuable skills such as listening and vocabulary building. So today, I’m going to give you five ways to find time to start reading more with your children today.
1. reading during breakfast
Reading during breakfast is a great “in-between” time to start your child’s day. Even if you have already read their nighttime stories, reading during breakfast can be an excellent bonding experience. It also allows you to read a different story or continue at bedtime.
2. reading before bedtime
Reading before bedtime is an age-old tradition for many families across the world! Reading together before bed provides children with ample time before sleep to wind down and share a story. This is also an excellent way to bond with your children because reading before bed can be an opportunity for one-on-one time between parent and child.
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3. reading during car rides
Car rides are usually fast-paced and full of energy, but sticking in earbuds or turning on the radio isn’t always the best solution. One way to combat high-strung kids is to try reading during your next family road trip! This can be especially fun if you’re reading an exciting book that’s action-packed because that will likely help to settle down any antsy kiddos who might be having trouble sitting still in the car seat!
Listen to audiobooks together.
If reading time is limited in your home or you are short on time, the next best thing you can do is listen together to audiobooks during family reading time. These days more and more book companies are offering audiobooks on their websites or YouTube. Listening with your kids as they enjoy a book will allow for plenty of bonding while exposing them to different reading styles, tales, characters, and vocabulary.
5. Pick a series or book to read together as a family
One reading activity that is a must for my family and me is reading the same book simultaneously! This reading event happens every night as we read from our copies of “The Berenstain Bears” or one of their other books. Not only do we get plenty of reading done as a family, but it also offers us a sense of community as well as an opportunity to bond by sharing what you think will happen next in your story!
6. read-aloud during dinner
I bet you didn’t know that reading aloud can be pretty fun, did you? If reading during breakfast and reading before bedtime cannot be part of your routine, why not try reading aloud together during dinner? Your kids will love the change of pace, and you will be able to teach them reading basics as well as some reading fluency. This is also an excellent way to expose your kids to different characters and stories, as reading during dinner can open up new opportunities for conversations with your children that they may not have had otherwise!
7. reading on their own before bed
One reading activity I highly recommend is reading independently at least once a day. This can be done first in the morning, just before lunchtime, or right after school. But no matter when you decide to do it, make sure that your child has time set aside for reading on their own every day! One way to help them learn this habit is by starting with short books or reading chapters from a series. You’ll be surprised at how reading independently will help your child increase their reading comprehension and test scores!
Reading together can cultivate a lifelong love of books in your children.
When people love to read, they are open to new ideas and expand their knowledge. They are reading for enjoyment and reading to learn.
A reading family is a reading community. It is important to read with your kids, showing them that reading is fun and they are developing their reading skills.
It’s fun to read together as a family and create a bonding experience with your children! What is your favorite way to read with your family?
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Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!