10 Great Ways to Grow a Reader1. Follow their interests and let kids choose their own books.
94% of kids ages 6-17 agree that their favourite books are the ones they have picked out for themselves. Start by asking your child about their current interests, and guide them towards books with these topics.
2. Provide access to a variety of books.
When children see that books are for learning and exploring the world, they'll start on a journey toward discovering their deep interests.
3. Get clues from the cover
Before reading, have your child look at the front cover of the book. Ask them to predict wha the book could be about based on the artwork and the title.
4. Build vocabulary
Ask your child to make a list of any unfamiliar words while reading. Using the art and text around a particular word, see if your child can uncover its meaning. Remember: Pictures can say as much as words!
5. Make connections
As your child reads a story, ask them to make connections between the characters and events in the story and people and events in real life.
6. Read together
Model good reading behaviour by turning off phones and TVs. And smile–you're enjoying a good book and so is your child!
7. Encourage your child to create their own story
Whether it’s a short-story, a comic strip or a novel. This allows them to use their creativity to write their own story, and also encourages them to proudly read it to others.
8. Start seasonal traditions
Pick a book to read every year when your child goes back to school. You can also read the same special book during a holiday or birthdays.
9. Write easy-to-read notes
Leave them in lunchboxes, on pillows or on mirrors and promote a sense of fun and eagerness about reading. Write your shopping list clearly and ask your child to help you read it in the supermarket.
10. Create a book haven
Encourage your child's love of reading by using your home library as inspiration for them to transform their bedroom into a book haven.
