As technology becomes more integrated into our daily lives, teachers and parents are faced with the challenge of getting children to embrace reading. With access to various entertainment options, reading is often pushed aside in favor of digital devices and platforms.
With the numerous benefits, reading has to offer, such as improving cognitive function, vocabulary, and reading speed, it is important to prioritize reading and make time for it in our children’s lives.
In this blog post, we will take a look at some practical ways children can balance leisure time with reading so they can reap the benefits of this essential skill.
5 Tips for Finding Time for Reading
- Make Reading a Habit
As with any other routine, once you incorporate daily reading into your schedule, it will become a habit. Whether you decide to read in the morning, afternoon, or evening, choosing a time that is practical and convenient for your child will help them stick with it. As you establish your new reading routine, consistency is important and will be the key to achieving success and a sense of discipline. By encouraging reading as a leisure activity, your child will begin to associate this activity with eagerness and anticipation.
- Incorporate Reading into other Leisure Activities
There is no shortage of creative ways to incorporate reading into other fun activities such as picnics, camping, or even on road trips. Ideas include packing books in a backpack for outdoor activities, downloading audio-books for car rides, or getting some educational games that promote reading skills. You may also consider swapping out books on a weekly basis in order to keep kids engaged and excited about new titles and covers. Rather than viewing reading as a boring academic task, children will be stimulated as they discover reading in different settings.
- Set a Good Example
When children have good role models to follow, they are more likely to emulate the same behaviors. Since parents and teachers are the biggest influencers in a child’s life, it is important that they show children good reading habits. By setting an example, you will help your child develop a love for reading. Ensure that they see you reading regularly and enthusiastically. When children observe that reading is something that you enjoy, they will aspire to do the same.
- Celebrate Reading Milestones
Celebrating milestones such as completing a book, a reading challenge, or achieving a reading goal promotes a sense of accomplishment in children. Learn what motivates and excites your child and reward them accordingly. For example, a trip to the movies or ice cream can be a simple but effective system to entice your child to spend more time reading. Sometimes, you may find that by simply offering a little praise, children will respond positively as they feel acknowledged and encouraged for achieving milestones in their reading journey.
- Make Reading Time Comfortable
To make reading time more enjoyable, you’ll want to create a comfortable reading environment. A cozy reading nook with comfortable seating and good lighting is a great way to ensure comfort and enjoyment. Minimize distractions, such as television or conversations so that children can comfortably focus on their reading activities. Select books and reading materials that align with your child’s interests, hobbies, or subjects they find exciting so that they are engaged and intrigued by the content.
Finding the time to read among our busy schedules can be challenging, but with the tips shared in this post, it is possible. Encouraging a love for reading can be a fulfilling experience for both parents and teachers and the benefits are well worth the effort. By setting a good example, making reading time fun and celebrating achievements, we can help our children realize the joys of reading. When we are intentional about finding the time to read, children will develop a healthy balance for incorporating it into their daily schedules.
