How To Cultivate The Love Of Reading At A Young Age

My husband and I love books. It was only natural that we would take every opportunity to cultivate the same attitude towards books in our children. There is a big difference between teaching your children how to read and teaching them to love reading. For example, someone could know how to read, but hate it and avoid it. Then, there are others who know how to read and loves to read as often as they can.

I believe the difference in those two examples could have, very well, had its origins as a child. Even before your kids learn how to read, you can teach them that reading is fun, exciting, and full of imagination!

Cultivating the love of reading in your child can be done in a few simple steps.

Start Early

How early, you ask? From day one! Reading to your baby is one of the best things you can do for him/her. In the early days, even when they can’t see, they can hear and will love the soothing sound of your voice as you read.

As they grow a little older and start to be more aware of their surroundings, buy touch and feel books with large pictures in them so that you can help guide their hands to what you’re reading. Buy books for every stage so as they grow older, you’ll have books that will engage them.

Put Books On Display

Buy a bookshelf to display your kids’ books so they can have easy access to them. The more they see their books, the more they will want to read them!

Read When They Ask

Make the time to read books when they want to read. I know this could get hard, especially if you’re in the middle of doing something, but the good thing is that you’re helping them spark their interest in reading.

Visit The Library

I love the wealth of knowledge that libraries hold under one roof! Going to the library is a fun and exciting experience for kids! They get to choose the books they want, take them home, and do it all over again next week. I love how my kids faces light up in the library!

Read Every Night

Reading before bed is part of the bedtime routine in our house. It’s honestly one of my favorite things to do because not only do I look forward to it, my kids do as well. We get cuddled up with a book in their bed and read. When we’re done we give hugs and kisses, and then off to bed. Sometimes, when I, or my husband, forget to grab a book, my kids are quick to remind us and then will go grab a book themselves for us to read. I love that!

If you haven’t started cultivating the love of reading early, don’t fret! The beautiful thing is that it’s never too late. If you start implementing these simple steps now, I’m confident that your child will grow to love reading!

If you did start early, nice job! Keep going and continue to build your kids library little by little!