Is buying books for children enough to establish their reading habit? Encouraging a love of reading actually begins with many small actions.
A well-chosen phrase can inspire children to embrace reading;
A moment of shared time allows them to savour the joy of reading;
A shared story can help them discover the joy of reading together!
Reading shapes us into new versions of ourselves, becoming the nourishment that fuels children's progress. Discover the first steps to cultivating a reading habit now, paving the way for a lifelong journey with books.
Step One: An Open, Relaxed Mindset
‘This book looks fascinating! Shall we read it together?’
Each year at book fairs, news reports show parents love buying supplementary exercises and reference books. While such materials reinforce learning, the world of reading should be far broader, allowing children to encounter countless possibilities. Conversely, making reading overly serious—recommending only reference books, supplements, or series of ‘classics’—may create pressure. Therefore, parents should use engaging reading material to open their children's door to literature. There's no need to agonise over whether every book holds profound meaning. Sometimes, works that seem ‘silly’ or ‘absurd’ can become the starting point for reading. Just as a glass half-full can hold water, an open mind is the best attitude for embracing reading.
Step Two: Embrace Diversity
‘So this book has been adapted into a film?’
Books are not monotonous, and reading can take myriad forms. Do not assume that reading a book is the only way to engage with literature. Especially in the digital age, numerous works combining text and imagery serve as excellent entry points. Parents can further guide younger children through crossword puzzles or board games, using play to spark their enjoyment of words.
Beyond games, parents can explore adaptations like animations, dramas, or films with their children, comparing the original stories with their reinterpretations. Finally, encourage students to write—whether jotting down daily observations or creating comics—as these activities complement reading, fuelling their curiosity and drive to learn.
Step Three: A Comfortable Setting
‘Come on! Shall we read a storybook together on the sofa tonight?’
A relaxed mindset naturally requires a relaxed environment. Do parents always have their children read at the homework desk? To make ‘reading’ a more enjoyable part of daily life, the first step is to create a comfortable space! This could be a corner of the living room, a spot in the bedroom, or even beside the snack table! A cosy setting allows both parent and child to enjoy reading together, potentially becoming a hub for family bonding. To spark curiosity, place books within easy reach, showcasing appealing covers – children will naturally be drawn to explore them!
Step Four: Consistent Companionship
‘I finished two chapters today. How about you?’
Building something great starts with small steps, and maintaining that momentum is key. They say it takes thirty days to form a habit, so once you've created that cosy space, lead by example. Read with your child every day. Even if it's just for a short while, your consistency and involvement will be the best role model for them. If parents themselves never cultivate a reading habit, it becomes harder to convince children of its benefits. Conversely, children love to mimic their parents' behaviour. If parents are often seen reading at home, children will naturally be eager to try.
Step Five: Explore Beyond
‘Shall we go on a library adventure today?’
A reading home is always a child's base for reading, but sometimes other nourishment is needed to make reading more colourful. To enhance enjoyment and novelty, parents are encouraged to periodically take children to bookshops and libraries. Approach it as a shared expedition, exploring and strolling among the rows of books, allowing children to discover titles that appeal to them. If overwhelmed by the sea of books, seek recommendations from librarians or teachers, enlisting them as allies in nurturing your child's reading journey.