How do I get my elementary/ middle-school children excited about reading?

Answer 1

Encouraging children to enjoy reading can be challenging, and there is no direct solution to this issue. However, one of the most effective ways to encourage children to read is by finding topics that genuinely interest them. It is essential to allow children the freedom to choose books that fascinate them. Giving them interactive books or ones that they can relate to can make reading enjoyable for them. Children love discussing their favorite topics, so finding something both you and your children can read and discuss is recommended. Spending time with children while reading can also develop their interest in reading.

To make reading a fun and engaging experience, read aloud to your children, and let them see you reading for pleasure. Creating a comfortable and inviting reading space in your home is also a good idea. Regular visits to the library and allowing your children to choose books they are interested in can help encourage a love of reading. Talking to your children about the books they are reading and asking them questions about the characters, plot, and their favorite parts of the book can also spark their interest. Encouraging your children to write their own stories and poems, joining a book club or reading group, and attending author readings and other literary events can also help foster a love of reading in children.

I have an example to use if your children are gamers. Game guides are an excellent resource for young gamers who prefer video games over reading traditional books. As a novice game developer, I have realized that developing video games requires a great deal of creativity, art, and reading. Interestingly, books and video games share many similarities such as plot lines, character development, and world-building. Therefore, game guides serve as a constructive tool to spark interest in both books and video games. By using game guides, children can develop their imagination, storytelling skills, and reading abilities while enjoying their favorite video games.

Answer 2

This is a question many parents are asking as temptations abound to keep our kids from reading. Reading skills (comprehension, pronunciation, spelling, text analysis, vocabulary building) are very important for your child's brain development, school success and a good predictor of future career success. I recommend going to the library or using your Kindle to find interest rich material (fiction and non-fiction) that your kid wants to learn about ( favorite heroes, travel destinations, languages, books that resonate with their stage of life etc.) Check out my classes as I help your child build the skills they need to embrace a lifelong love of reading! See you in class!