make reading fun
make reading fun

Literature is not only a source of entertainment and real pleasure, but it can also serve as an important tool. Introduced at a tender age to the world of books, and with positive associations, a child will learn to love literature and translate this love into academic excellence in later life. But what can we do if our children just don’t want to pick up a book? Here are ten ways to make reading fun for your children, which if implemented, will lead to a life-long love of books.

1. Make a comfy and fun book corner in your home

This could be in the child’s bedroom, or any other place in the house that works for you. Make it a welcoming place that your child will be drawn to and enjoy spending time in. Get creative with this space, and have fun adapting it to your child’s personality! Book quotes posted in the area are a great way to inspire a love for books. Here’s one to get you started:

‘The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.’ – Dr Suess.

2. Lead by example

Our children are cute little copycats. Even when we think they are not paying attention, they are observing us and learning from us. How quickly they imitate us often dawns on us shockingly when we accidently do or say something we don’t want them to copy! The good news is that they do mirror your good habits too! If they see you reading and enjoying books, they will follow suit. Talk to them about your favourite books, and say things like; “I learnt that from the book I’m reading!”

3. Have a good supply of books that represent children like yours

Children will take more interest in reading if they are given books in which they can see themselves. When a child sees books with characters that they can connect with, and about issues that are important to them; they feel that they are understood in the environment that they live in. The child then naturally takes a greater interest in reading.

4. Treat reading as a reward

Always make positive associations with reading. Show your child that reading is a reward, by snuggling up to read with them if they have done something pleasing. This feels like a reward to them as they greatly cherish the time when you hold them close and share a book with them. You can offer them one-to-one reading time or a trip to the library or bookshop as rewards for good behaviour.

Never treat reading as a chore, or worse—a punishment! When children are given reading books from school, it is easy to unknowingly transform the pleasure of reading into a chore that must be completed. Avoid saying things like, “We have to get this reading done.” Instead you could say things like, “I can’t wait to read this!” Most importantly, never used reading as a punishment by sending them off to read, or replacing another activity with reading if you are displeased with them.

5. Take your children to bookshops to choose their own books

Bookshops can be a book lovers playground, and book lovers can be made in bookshops. Especially warm independent bookshops that are run by people with a real passion for books, and are happy to help you find the perfect book for you! There are some real gems out there—magical places that would make any child feel like reading is fun! One such place is Tales on Moon Lane in South East London.

6. Take your child to creative writing workshops where they can meet and be inspired by creators of books

You will notice an almost miraculous transformation of attitude towards books after your little one has been in the presence of an author! It’s simply true for every child. The experience leaves him/her with warm and fresh aspirations for reading and writing. Taking part in a creative writing workshop conducted by an author allows young people to see that books are written by real people just like them, and that writing or illustrating a book is something that they can accomplish too! To register your interest for a children’s creative writing workshop, click here.

7. Use positive reinforcement

This works for anything we want our children to do, and it works for reading too! Reward your little reader for each book they complete to make reading fun. Get creative with ways to do this. One way is to make them a little book (see 10) that they can earn stamps in. Once they have earned enough stamps they get a present, or a reward trip. For children who need immediate gratification, you could have a ‘lucky dip’ that they can fish out a reward from each time they complete a book.

8. Get your child to write a letter to an author who will write back

According to a survey by World Vision, one in five children in the UK has never received a handwritten letter. Child education expert Sue Palmer, the author of Toxic Childhood, said: "If children do not write or receive letters, they miss out on key developmental benefits. Given this information and the fact that children love authors; writing to and receiving a letter from an author will do wonders for the child’s relationship with reading and writing. Post a letter to a Sweet Apple author at the address here.

9. Give books as gifts

Children love receiving gifts as much as the rest of us. The value of any item significantly increases if it is presented wrapped in gorgeous paper and ribbons! If this item is a book, that book will be loved, cherished and viewed as something of great worth. By doing this, a powerful message is sent out to the child telling them that books are special. Write an inscription in the book to give it that personal touch—your kids will love this!

10. Use crafts to make book related items

Most children take great pleasure in plastering various craft materials together to produce an item. Why not associate the fun they have with crafts with reading? Sit down with them to make bookmarks, or a ‘favourite book box.’ You can combine this with tip number seven, to make a book in which they will receive their stamps. You will notice that they will be bouncing at the chance to use these items they have made themselves, which will obviously get them reading!

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