Tips + Tricks: How to Get Kids to Love Books (+ a Giveaway!)
Struggling to get your little ones to read more? Fortunately, our friend and children’s book author Ashley Eneriz is here to the rescue with some ideas on how to encourage your kids to read more – and maybe even enjoy it! As an added bonus, we’re teaming up for a giveaway at the end of this post – enter below to win a paperback version of one of Ashley’s books and your favorite Estella toy. Take it away, Ashley…
What makes a kid a bookworm and another kid a hater of all books? It can be frustrating as a parent when your child does not love books. Here are a few tips to turn your kid into a book lover. It might not happen overnight, but by applying these tips, gradually, you will notice your little one is begging you to buy him more books to read.
Connect Reading to Something Special
So many kids will tune out on reading because they do not understand that many books contain magical worlds and fun. They think that they can only be entertained by their video game, TV show, or iPad app. Your job is to help them see just how amazing books can be – even better than their favorite shows because a book goes into much greater detail.
Right now, your child probably associates reading with boring or quiet time. Instead, make reading fun by having weekly donut dates. Your child can munch on a donut while you read a chapter from a book. Some books offer more movement or actable parts that your child can do while you read out loud.
Make Books More Appealing
Books filled with small and a lot of words are daunting, even for expert readers. Choose books that have illustrations, smaller chapters, and bigger words to attract readers of all ages. The first Harry Potter book was just re-released with full illustrations. Your child will love exploring the magical world of Hogwarts while enjoying the illustrations.
Think in Terms of TV and Movies
What makes children so hypnotized to certain shows and movies? Next time your child watches a show or movie, take note. What makes them laugh? What makes them engaged? Start reading books that are laugh out loud funny and that are jus downright silly. Also, read out loud in interesting and fun voices. Reading aloud is beneficial for all children, even if they already know how to read. Reading books aloud can also help deepen your child’s love for books, imagination, and vocabulary, which in turn, transforms them into a stronger reader.
Pair Books with Activities
On my site, Ebook Kids, I offer craft, game, and snack ideas for several popular books. There are so many simple things you can do to enhance a book. For example, children will love making blueberry muffins after reading, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin”. They will also love acting out the story with sock puppets. Activities do not have to be time consuming or expensive. Most activities or snacks will only take about 10 minutes extra, but you are teaching your child that books are fun and building those fun, lifetime memories with them.
It can be hard to get kids to love books, especially when there are so many other things vying for their attention. Try to fit a few minutes or reading or reading activities in each day, and you will see that your child will eventually beg you to keep reading.
Giveaway (updated: now closed)
Ashley has generously offered to give away a paperback version of one of her books, plus we’re throwing in one of our hand-knit toys too. Enter below!
(Ends February 17th at 11:59pm EST. By entering you agree to receive the latest and greatest updates from Estella and any participating brands.)
