Show your children every day that reading is important by letting them see you read, having lots of varied reading materials around your home and setting aside required reading time each day. A variety of books can pique a child's interest. Choose books on different topics in several genres. Once you have the pieces in place to create a family of readers, choose engaging, challenging activities to encourage your children to read more often.
Shared Reading
Shared reading activities show your children that reading is important and enjoyable. Read to young children, and allow them to read to you. When reading a book together, take turns reading paragraphs or pages. Let toddlers "read" their books to you by making up stories based on the pictures. Schedule a family time when everyone tells about a book they just completed.
Reading and Art
After your child finishes a book, provide paper, crayons, scissors, glue and magazines so he can create a picture or collage about the story. Fairy tales, fables and other short stories are best for this activity. Younger children will have fun creating their pictures, and you can help them learn to grasp the concepts hidden in the stories. Older children can put together a storyboard and tell the book's story through pictures and words.
Newspapers
Give your kids the children's section of the local newspaper. Syndicated children's sections like "Dynamite Kids," "Mini Page" and "Pennywhistle Press" are usually inserted in newspapers once a week. The mini-newspapers have stories, youth-oriented news, educational articles, cartoons and activities. Ask your child to read the paper to you while you are cooking. For an interesting challenge, cut out all of the paragraphs from one of the news items, and have her reassemble the story.
Regular Library Visits
Take your children to the library regularly. When they are old enough, make sure they get their own library cards. Frequent library visits encourage his involvement in a culture of reading that includes activities with peers, technology and a large selection of reading material. Encourage him to look for books on the computer or go to library staff for help. Allow your child to choose the books he wants to read from the age-appropriate library section.
Field Trips
Help your child connect reading to real life by going out on mini-field trips. Virtual field trips, performed on the computer, are almost as good. If she reads about dinosaurs, make a visit to the museum of natural history or science. A book about trains can lead to a quick local train ride. Encourage her to share what she recalls from the book while on the trip.
Book Clubs
Encourage your child to join a youth book club at the library or community center. Support him in starting his own book club, and allow him to hold meetings at home. Older children can assume responsibility for planning, book selection and refreshments.
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