Reading can be a challenge for many children, often leading to frustration and avoidance. This struggle can turn into a daily battle for parents trying to encourage their kids to read. However, reading doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few creative strategies, you can transform reading into an enjoyable activity that kids look forward to. Here are 50 engaging ideas on how to make reading fun for struggling readers.
Discover How to Make Reading Fun for Kids
1. Read Together Without Timing: Share a book with your child by taking turns reading pages. This approach can help alleviate the pressure of timed reading sessions. While it’s still important to ensure they read for about 30 minutes, avoid making it obvious that time is being tracked.
2. Explore Funny Poetry: Books filled with humorous poems can be particularly engaging for children. The playful language and amusing themes make reading more entertaining.
3. Build a Reading Fort: Create a cozy reading space by arranging two chairs with their backs facing each other and draping a blanket over them. This makes for a fun and inviting environment to read in.
Freepik | gpointstudio | Encourage your child to read to their plush friend, turning reading into playtime.
4. Adopt a Reading Buddy: This could be a new or favorite stuffed animal. Encourage your child to read to their plush friend, making the activity feel less like a chore and more like playtime.
5. Read to a Pet: If you have pets at home, let your child read aloud to them. Alternatively, some animal shelters offer programs where children can read to the animals.
6. Cook a Recipe from a Book: Find a dish mentioned in your child's book and cook it together. This brings stories to life and makes reading a multisensory experience.
7. Enjoy Themed Snacks: Prepare snacks that tie into the book's theme. For example, if reading a book about space, make star-shaped cookies.
8. Listen to Audiobooks: Let your child listen to an audiobook while following along with the physical book. This can enhance comprehension and make the reading experience more dynamic.
9. Watch the Movie Adaptation: After finishing a book, watch its movie version. This provides a reward and an additional way to enjoy the story.
10. Create Custom Bookmarks: Encourage your child to make or pick out a special bookmark. This can include questions or prompts to think about while reading.
11. Attend Library Storytime: Younger children can benefit from hearing books read aloud during library storytimes, which can foster a love for stories.
12. Get a Library Card: Signing up for a library card can be an exciting milestone for children, giving them a sense of ownership over their reading choices.
13. Let Kids Choose Their Books: Allow children to pick out their own books from the library. This autonomy can make reading feel more like a personal choice rather than an obligation.
14. Bookstore Birthday Treats: For birthdays, take your child to a bookstore to pick out a special new book. This can become a cherished tradition.
15. Thrift Store Books: On a budget? Visit thrift stores to find a wide selection of inexpensive books. Children can pick out something new without breaking the bank.
16. Make a Reading Craft
After finishing a book, create a related craft like a shoebox diorama or Popsicle stick puppets.
Freepik | Encourage children to write and illustrate their own stories.
17. Write Their Own Book: Encourage children to write and illustrate their own stories. Binding their book with staples and creating a colorful cover can make them feel like real authors.
18. Attend School Book Fairs: Visit the school’s book fair to find new and exciting books.
19. Write to Authors: Let your child write a letter to their favorite author. Many authors respond, which can be a thrilling experience for young readers.
20. Join Reading Clubs: Inquire about reading events or clubs at school. Some programs offer prizes or even free meals at restaurants as incentives.
21. Summer Reading Clubs: Sign up for summer reading programs at the library. These often include prizes and fun activities to keep kids engaged over the break.
22. Download Reading Apps: Find apps that combine reading with interactive games, making the process fun and engaging.
23. Be a Reading Role Model: Let your child see you reading regularly. This sets a positive example and shows that reading is a valued activity.
24. Family Reading Time: Schedule a time for the whole family to read together, free from distractions like TV or phones.
25. Start a Family Book Club: Choose a book that everyone reads and discuss it together. This can make reading a shared family experience.
26. Create Reading Rewards
Establish a reward system where children earn prizes or privileges for finishing a certain number of books.
Freepik | Always encourage your child's reading efforts, even if they make mistakes.
27. Praise Their Efforts: Always praise your child for their efforts when reading aloud, even if they make mistakes. Encouragement can boost their confidence.
28. Match Reading Level: Ensure the books your child reads are appropriate for their reading level. Books that are too challenging can lead to frustration.
29. Read Aloud to Them: For books above their reading level, read aloud to your child. This allows them to enjoy more complex stories without struggling.
30. Hobbies and Interests: Help your child find books related to their hobbies and interests. This can make reading more appealing.
