How to Help Your Child Enjoy Reading

Most children don’t enjoy reading from the very beginning. Sometimes a child will engage with books from an early age, but for others it might not be something that they naturally want to do. For many children, especially those who are just starting to learn to read, it can feel difficult, boring or simply tiring.

There is more to consider, however. For a long time we may believe that some children simply do not enjoy reading, but often a child can learn to enjoy reading if it is made more interesting, happens more frequently in a relaxed way and relates more closely to their own interests.

1. Let Them Choose What to Read

Children often enjoy reading more when they have chosen the book themselves.

There are many options available other than traditional chapter books, such as graphic novels, joke books, comics and magazines, along with fact books, recipes and more. Often children are surprised by the wide variety of reading material available that relates to their interests, such as animals, sport, space and hobbies.

First, remember that there are many different types of books. Children who don’t enjoy fiction might prefer reading about dinosaurs, football or even how machines work.

2. Avoid Making Reading Feel Like a Test

Children can become nervous if every reading session becomes correction time.

Turning reading into a test can also be difficult for children who struggle with reading. While the child is reading to you, it’s tempting to point out every mistake. In practice, however, many errors are minor and do not affect the meaning of what they are reading.

Mistakes in reading are a normal part of the process. If a mistake doesn’t affect the meaning, then it may be better to let the child continue. If, however, they are stuck, offer a small prompt to help them.

Create a relaxed atmosphere for reading where children feel comfortable taking risks and making mistakes along the way.

3. Read Together

There’s no rule that says children have to read books independently.

Reading together can add more enjoyment to the experience. You could read one page and then they read the next. You could read most of the story and then ask them to read a few sentences.

It allows children to enjoy books that are beyond their independent reading level and learn from fluent reading. It also allows them to listen to how a fluent reader uses expression and natural pacing.

Even children who do not enjoy reading often enjoy time spent with family members. Reading together can therefore help strengthen positive associations with reading.

4. Keep Reading Sessions Short

Long reading sessions can be tiring, especially for reluctant readers.

Ten minutes of enjoyable reading is often more valuable than thirty minutes of frustration. This allows children to finish a reading session while they are still feeling successful.

The amount of time spent on reading activities can increase gradually, until reading becomes a regular part of the child’s routine.

It is often quality over quantity. In many cases, short but regular reading sessions are more beneficial than less frequent, longer sessions.

5. Connect Books to Their Interests

A child’s interests can become a natural doorway to reading. So, for example, a child who loves animals can read wildlife books; a child who loves to cook can read recipes; and a child who loves video games can read books about game design, coding or even fantasy worlds.

A reluctant reader who loves animals might enjoy wildlife books, someone who is interested in cooking could explore recipes in books, and someone who enjoys video games might look at books about game design, coding or imaginative fantasy worlds.

The books that parents read with children can be linked to children’s interests and their own life experiences. For example, children can read about the beach before they go on holiday and then read about different insects after finding one in the garden.

6. Make Books Easy to Reach

Children are more likely to read books that are visible and easy to access.

Provide access to books in everyday locations such as bedrooms, living rooms and even the car to make reading a normal part of daily life.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to provide a variety of books for your child. Most public libraries have a great selection of children’s books, and families can borrow many for free.

Children can really enjoy choosing books at the library and make the reading experience more exciting.

7. Read Aloud to Older Children Too

Many children are still read to by parents when they’re older in primary school because they enjoy hearing a story. This can be particularly helpful for children who understand stories well but struggle with independent reading.

By listening to someone else read a story, children can focus on the plot, characters, humour and themes without worrying about reading every word themselves.

Reading aloud to older children can also introduce them to more complex vocabulary and longer stories than they might read independently.

This can also be useful for children who can discuss stories well but struggle with reading them themselves.

8. Talk About Books Without Quizzing Them

Talk about books without turning it into a test.

Comment on the book without always returning to learning objectives. For example: “That character was funny.” “I think…” “What do you think will happen next?”

Commenting on books helps keep conversation natural and reinforces the message that reading for pleasure is something to enjoy and talk about.

You don’t have to turn every book your child reads into a lesson.

9. Let Children See Adults Reading

Children often copy what they see.

Children also learn from what they observe, and if they regularly see adults reading books, magazines, recipes or newspapers, they will understand that reading is something people do for both pleasure and information.

Families don’t have to announce that they are reading; simply having books around and making reading a normal part of family life is enough.

10. Avoid Forcing Books They Dislike

Not every book will be a good fit.

The most important thing to remember is that not every book is going to suit your child, and it is okay to stop reading a particular book and try something else.

Being rigid about what children read can make reading less enjoyable and turn it into a tedious and unpopular activity.

It’s our role to help children discover the kinds of books they are most interested in.

When Reading Is Still Difficult

Sometimes children will avoid reading because it is simply too difficult for them.

If your child is having trouble recognising familiar words, becomes distressed while reading, or is not improving after regular reading practice, speak with their teacher.

Additional support may be needed to identify learning gaps and make reading more manageable.

Enjoyment can develop over time through positive experiences with reading, interesting books and regular opportunities to practise.

Building a Positive Relationship With Reading

Developing enjoyment can take time.

Enjoyment with reading can grow over time through positive experiences, interesting books and regular manageable practice.

Try to make reading enjoyable rather than a test or punishment.

Children who associate books with curiosity, comfort and enjoyment are more likely to choose reading in later years and develop positive reading habits.