How to Make a Reading Routine
It’s no secret that we want our children to read and develop a reading routine, but this is easier said than done. Whether your child is a new reader or an independent one, there are steps we can take to ensure long-term success in becoming lifelong readers.
What are the benefits of developing a reading routine? Some benefits include building essential literacy skills, improving focus and comprehension, and spending meaningful time together.
Choose Books at Their Level
First and foremost, we must choose books that match our children’s reading level. If books are too challenging or too easy, this can make reading either frustrating or boring. It’s important to understand your child’s level to select the right books. Are they a new reader? If so, you’ll want to focus on decodable books. I have a blog post about free online decodable books [here]!
For beginner or struggling readers, providing support is essential. Work with them on different phonics patterns and take turns reading together.
Discover Their Interests
As children advance, they naturally gravitate towards different types of books. If your child isn’t interested in reading, it might be because they haven’t found books they like. It could also be because the books are too difficult, which is why knowing their level is crucial.
Expose your child to a variety of genres. Visit your local library and explore books together. Do they prefer fiction or nonfiction? Are they drawn to realistic stories or fantasy? Discovering their interests is key to fostering a love of reading.
Consistency Matters
The most important part of building a routine is consistency. Just as adults need habits for productivity and balance, children need consistency to form a reading habit. Even if it’s just 10 minutes a day, it’s a great start to creating a lifelong reader. Remember, it’s not the amount of time but the regularity that builds a strong reading routine.
Making Reading Fun
For new readers, it’s important to make reading fun and engaging. Here are a few ways to bring excitement to reading time:
- Make it into a game: Go on a “word hunt” together—ask your child to find specific words or sounds while you read.
- Act out the stories: Choose characters and role-play parts of the book, or use toys to bring the story to life.
- Use voices and expressions: When reading aloud, use different voices for each character and adjust your tone to match the story’s mood. Dramatic voices make the book come alive!
- Incorporate movement: For active children, combine reading with physical movement. If a character jumps, ask your child to jump too! This keeps energetic kids engaged while reading.
Creating a Reading Space
If you have room, consider creating a dedicated reading space for your child. Just as adults are more likely to engage in a positive habit when it’s easy, accessible, and comfortable, children are more likely to read when they have an inviting space. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—a simple corner with a small bookshelf and a cozy pillow can be enough to inspire your child to pick up a book.
Check out this example of a simple DIY reading nook: DIY Reading Nook.
