6 Ways To Make Reading Fun

It's May and it may as well be December

This was originally published in early 2023 but I’ve made some updates and think it’s worth sharing again, especially when you’re busy with the end-of-school-year stretch. I get it; reading may feel more like a chore when you’re this busy. This article can help change that.

As much as we want to encourage a love for reading, it often falls on us to actually sit down and do the reading, especially if our kids aren’t able to read yet, are new to reading, or reading together is just a part of the routine. And, let’s be real, the last thing we want to do is read a kid’s book after a long, hard day or a busy season.

On the flip side, sometimes it’s our kids who resist reading. The last thing they want to do is stop what they’re doing to read a “boring” book.

When you’re pressed for time and energy, it’s totally fine to pass on reading. I write a newsletter about reading for kids and I’m telling you I’ve gone weeks (!) without touching a book. So I am not one to judge.

But if you find it’s been a long period since everyone last read, here’s a way to reinvigorate the habit and make it more enjoyable for everyone involved:

1. Start Small

If your kid is not used to reading or hasn’t shown too much interest lately, don’t pressure them. Just keep giving them opportunities for exposure. It might even be you reading a picture book around them and offering an interesting tidbit. Here are a few more ways to make reading fun:

• Introduce a subject matter of interest. Does your kid like planes? Do they like dogs? Choose a book based on some of their recent interests

• Make it playful. Maybe they’re into shapes right now; ask them to identify various shapes in a book

• Go interactive. Try pop-up books with cloth features, flaps, etc. For older kids, it might be a choose-your-own-adventure book or a mystery. It’s always fun to see what the next page holds!

  

2. Change up the format

If you just don’t have the time to physically sit down and read, it might be a sign to take a look at the format. There are so many amazing stories now being delivered in all sorts of new ways. Do I still think you should still be reading an actual book? Yes—but I also know that sometimes life is just crazy busy and it’s hard. This is when the adage “perfect is the enemy of good” comes to mind. Do what you can, how you can, when you can. Books have survived millennia and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

• Audiobooks—if you find yourself on the go a lot, this might be the format for you. It can be a book that everyone listens to and discusses during car rides.

• Graphic novels—the “cool” older brother of a picture book? I’m not sure I completely buy that but this is a great alternative to get kids engaged

• e-Picture books—Libby truly does have everything! If you notice a pocket of time available in between different activities, this is a great way to get bonding and reading time without having to worry about remembering to bring a physical book with you

3. Get into character

• Bring out the voice actor in you. When I was younger, I attended an artsy summer camp and we could choose the classes we wanted to be enrolled in. I decided on a class that taught “public reading.” Dating myself, it was essentially a voice acting class before the likes of audiobooks and podcasts were popular. So when I read to my kid, I take a deep breath, reach deep down for my training, and pull out random voices for the different characters in the book.

  

• Change your narration voice. Sometimes we don’t have the energy to put on voice theater for every character in a story. When that happens, I like to read in a random accent. My kid spends at least the first few minutes looking at me like I’m crazy before leaning into it and I get away with butchering an accent in a (relatively) safe space.

• Get everyone involved. If you have a more proficient reader, have them read to you! Maybe all the people involved in the reading session can play different characters. Make it interactive and fun.

4. Discuss as you read

Even if it’s a brief story, use critical moments in the story to have a conversation with your child. As you read together, encourage your kid to question what’s happening—it’ll help them become a critical thinker which is vital as an adult! Some questions you can ask:

• Why do you think [character] behaved this way?

• What would you do if they were in [character’s] shoes?

• How do you think [character] felt when this happened? How would you feel?

• What do you think will happen next?

5. Share your story

Describe your own experiences and childhood memories. It can be a bonding experience and remind your child that you have a whole bunch of stories living in you!

6. Make the story sticky

To help a story live on, bring it up over the next few days. Make a joke or share with them how a moment reminded you of a specific story, character, etc. Encourage them to do the same! Show them how a story can resonate and connect with their own life.

Let’s Talk…

• What do you think—have you tried any of these strategies?

• Are there other ones that have worked for you?