There are many ways to instill a love of reading in your child. You can provide them with plenty of books on a variety of topics, buy them reading games, and read to them regularly. But what if you have done all of these things and your elementary school child has absolutely no interest in books? Even parents who have done everything in their power to teach their children the joys of reading may find that their child would rather do anything else than to pick up a book. So what do you do? Take heart, there are ways to get even the least interested child excited about reading.
First, make sure reading time with your child is not a chore for either one of you. Make reading a social activity, and choose books you will both enjoy. Many of the best parenting books will provide you with advice on making reading fun for your child. Jackie French’s book Rocket Your Child Into Reading and Paul Jennings’ The Reading Bug are both excellent sources. Some of the ways you can do this are to have older siblings read to or with your child or to take turns reading with your child yourself. Read a paragraph or page each so it becomes a team effort. If your child has difficulty reading, you may wish to read the book to him or her first and then allow your child to read it to you. Studies have proven that it is easier for children to read if they have heard the story before. Pay attention when your child is reading and show him or her that you are interested and that it is fun for you.
It is also helpful to choose high-interest books for your family reading time. Many early to middle elementary children love the Geronimo Stilton Books and, when reading them, discover a love of reading they have never experienced before. The unusual typescript of these books may make them a bit confusing to read but it may also add to the fun appeal of the books for your child. The Lion Boy triology (Zizou Corder) and the How to Train Your Dragon books (Cressida Cowell) are also great choices for middle to upper grade school children. For younger children you might like to try the Tashi books (Anna Fienberg) or some books from the Magic Treehouse series (Mary Pope Osbourne). By choosing the right books and making reading a social event and choosing fun books for your child, you will see his or her love of reading blossom.