Let’s face it – children and adults alike are becoming increasingly attached to their screens. As a result, we’ve adjusted to a fast-paced world where everything we want is just a click away. This digital dependency creates challenges for developing skills like reading, which requires time and patience. We know that literacy skills are crucial. Children with strong literacy skills are more likely to graduate high school, pursue higher education, and build a fulfilling career. So how do you get your child to put down their device and pick up a book?
Here are 6 practical tips to help spark your child’s love of reading that can be seamlessly incorporated into busy family routines – at home and on the go.
A facilitator faces a group of children as she reads a book to them
1. Read Together
Reading with your child creates both a foundation for literacy and a special bonding experience. Not only that, but evidence shows that when parents get involved with reading at home, children do better overall. Reading to and with children can help them:
- Improve their vocabulary
- Identify words on the page and pick up reading quicker
- Develop their imagination
- Succeed in school
Between work, school, and homework, it can feel like a struggle to find the time to read together. Luckily, reading for as little as 15 minutes a day can drastically improve a child’s reading skills.
A young boy holds up a story he’s just written
2. Make Reading Come Alive
Learning happens best when it’s joyful and engaging! Encourage your child to express themselves through creative activities connected to reading, such as:
- Act out favourite scenes from the story
- Create alternative endings, or imagine “what comes next”
- Draw pictures inspired by the characters
- Share their thoughts and feelings about the books they read
A group of children reading on a bench
3. Read Anywhere and Everywhere
Reading isn’t restricted to the household. Sometimes reading on the go can be the easiest way to incorporate reading into your busy lives. Here are a few suggestions on how to do that:
- Carry a book with you when you’re travelling. Commuting to school? Hand them a book to read. Going on a long car ride? Get them to read out loud. Reading on the go is a great opportunity for your child to enhance their reading skills and pass the time.
- Take advantage of the signs around you. Point out street signs, bus and subway ads, store signs, posters – anything that catches your child’s interest – and ask them to read it to you or support them as they read.
- Go grocery shopping together. Let them read the shopping list or the food labels.
A bookshelf filled with library books
4. Engage with their Interests
Make reading relevant to what your child already loves! When children connect reading with their developing passions, they’re naturally more motivated to dive into books.
Try these approaches:
- Match books to hobbies: Find books about dinosaurs for your little paleontologist or sports biographies for your young athlete.
- Explore different formats: Introduce graphic novels, magazines, or story-based video games if traditional books don’t capture their attention.
- Include culturally-relevant books: Show your child stories with characters that look like them or that reflect your culture so they have something to relate to.
- Follow their lead: Let your child choose books at the library or bookstore—ownership in the selection process increases enthusiasm.
By honouring their interests, you’re showing them that reading is a pathway to discovering more about the things they love.
A woman embraces a young child in a warm hug while sitting at a table with an open book
5. Offer Encouragement and Support When Reading Together
Encouragement and support can build your child’s confidence and increase their motivation. When children see themselves as capable readers, they’re more likely to develop a genuine love for reading.
Try these simple ways to offer encouragement when reading together:
- Give specific praise: “I know that word is hard to read. I’m so impressed that you kept trying and didn’t give up!”
- Celebrate milestones with high-fives, stickers, or a special bookmark
- Create a reading chart and reward them for meeting goals
- Respond positively to their story reactions and questions
Remember that a supportive environment where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities helps children develop resilience and perseverance in their reading journey. Your consistent encouragement transforms reading from a challenge into an exciting adventure they’ll want to continue.
Two participants from our Kids Read book club posing with their books
6. Sign Them Up for a Book Club
Community connections can spark a love of reading! Our Kids Read program shows how children thrive when they share their reading adventures with peers. This virtual book club brings together children ages 9-12 to bond with others over their love of books. Children get the opportunity to connect with mentors, explore their identities and opinions, and build confidence in their literacy skills.
Is your child still learning to read? Our Reading Partnership for Parents program is great for parents and caregivers with children ages 4-6. This program can support you in teaching your child how to read.