How to get kids excited about reading - Creative tips from an author
Tips from the author of the Brudders children’s book series
Sometimes it can be a struggle to get your child to sit down and read a book. And then even more of a struggle to get them excited about reading. So let’s not waste time, here are my top 7 creative tips to get kids excited about reading!
Make it fun “adventure” time.
The greatest thing about books is that we get to step into an adventurous world with new characters and go on a journey with them. For this reason alone, reading should not feel like an academic exercise, but instead an immersive one-of-a-kind experience for kids to enjoy!
So when it’s time to transition your child’s attention over to books, spark their interest using the story’s theme instead of asking if they want to “read a book.” For example, with a book on friendship, say something like, “Hey Caleb, you remember what it’s like to try and make friends, right? I wonder what happens when Brudders the bear tries to make friends for the first time. I bet you could help him!”
2. Focus on the characters
From the Brudders’ Books series
Character development is key when it comes to making reading fun and interactive for kids. That is the top reason why teachers love using Brudders Books in their classroom. Kids can relate to the different emotions and behaviors each character portrays throughout the books and learn from them.
For example, kids instantly relate to our protagonist, Brudders the bear, and our main supporting character, Zeke, really becomes a hero in children’s eyes. P.S. - Have we mentioned Zeke is hiding on every page throughout the first half of each Brudders book? :) When kids realize this they have a blast hunting through all the pages in their books!
3. Incorporate two-way Q&A throughout the day
Recall how excited we adults get when we realize our friends just binge-watched the same Netflix series that we did? All we want to do is talk about it! Well-written children’s books spark two-way discussions and optimum bonding time between a child and their parent too!
Bring up different events, emotions, or characters from your books anytime a relevant opportunity presents itself. Books often have discussion questions for parents or teachers to use as learning tools. Our Brudders Bundle is equipped with fun discussion cards for each book. When kids realize how stories connect to their own lives, it excites them and they’ll be looking for the next great adventure to read.
4. Designate a reading time everyday
The way we live each day is based on our habits, if you think about it. Get kids in the habit of escaping to their reading corner (see tip #5 below) for adventure time (remember tip #1) every day. After just a short time, it will become their norm and a routine that they look forward to.
5. Create a reading corner
Another one of my faves is the reading corner. I even have one for myself! Make this space your child’s own that is uniquely special to them. Use their favorite colors, textures, stuffed animals, and blankets. You’ll want to incorporate anything that brings them warmth, safety and security, this way they’ll want to spend time in their reading corner.
6. Let them go “shopping” at the library!
Kids will feel so empowered that you are giving them the freedom to shop for their own books. How cool is that! I love watching kids browse the shelves and feel all grown up as they walk to the checkout counter with their new books. Empowerment gives kids a sense of responsibility, which oftentimes is a new and exciting feeling for them. Because they were involved in (and responsible for) the selection, you can bet they will be so excited to go home and explore their new treasures.
7. Set a good example
We adults know the saying, “If we want to get better at xyz, then we need to surround ourselves with people who are in the habit of being good at x,y,z.” Habits. They’re everything. If you’re in the habit of watching TV everyday at a certain time, then that’s what your kids will want to do. If you’re in the habit of reading a book everyday in your reading corner at a certain time, then that’s what your kids will want to do.
Let your kids see how excited you get talking about the plot or the characters to your husband (even if he stares back at you blankly without a clue as to what you’re talking about). Just set a good example by showing your kids how important reading books is in your everyday life.
These are useful tips that you can implement today to get your kids excited about reading! What are creative ways that have worked for you in getting your kids excited about reading? Please share to help our fellow moms and dads out here below!
K.A. (Kristin) Leigh is the author and co-creator of the Brudders® children’s book series. Seeing the isolating effects that social media, virtual reality, and the Covid aftermath has had on children’s social emotional health, Kristin has made it her life purpose to immerse kids back into physical books that draw upon the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Her writing fosters positive behaviors, self awareness and empathy, and the importance of communication and relationships with one another so that kids can thrive in the classroom, on the playground, and beyond.