Books? What are those? With all the electronic gadgets, from tablets to gaming consoles to music devices, our children have little to no reason to read a paper book. They sometimes have to for school, but what about in their free time? Here are a few ways to encourage your children to read for the fun of it!
Read books that have movies. While you are still encouraging electronics, this is a great way to encourage reading! Pick a book that has a movie made after it. Before starting the book, let it be known that, upon reading the book in its entirety, there will be a special movie night where you will watch the movie together. Afterwards, discuss how the book and movie differ and which one the child prefers.
Offer rewards. A little bribery can go a long way! Set up an incentive plan with your child for every book read. Do not make it unobtainable but do give them a challenge. Offer rewards ranging from candy for a small number of books to a night at the movie theater for over-achieving their goals!
Earn electronics time. Using the same concept as physical rewards for reading, offer one to earn time for TV, gaming or internet. For example, offer 4-5 minutes of electronic time for each chapter read. If they do not read for the day, then there is no time earned. Stick to your guns on this one!
Keep track. Keep a record of what books have been read. Not only will this ensure there is a variety but help them to see how far they have come!
Form a book club. Gather friends and schoolmates of the same age and reading level. Pick a fun book (new release, popular with their age group, a classic, etc) for the kids to read and meet monthly. At each meeting, discuss the book that has been read and let each child weigh in with their thoughts. Plan around the theme of the book and decorate accordingly. You can even make themed snacks!
If your child reads even one page a day, that is better than nothing! If anything, use the time they are reading to sneak in a few chapters yourself… just say you are being a positive role model!