8 Ways to Build a Reading Culture at Home

With advancements in technology, a book reading culture has decreased as families spend more time on their tech gadgets. In the past decade, the reading culture has reduced by 7% in the USA. This is mostly attributed to technological innovations as many find it more interesting to play games, watch readily available movies, or chat with friends than pick a book and read. The attention levels have also decreased, which means many don’t have the patience needed to read a book to the end. It’s essential to instill the reading culture in children right from when they are young. Start by reading stories, then change to books and use age appropriate sight words to make the transition enjoyable.

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 A reading culture will

• Help your family bond
• Make children learn how to express themselves
• Awaken their imagination, critical thinking power, and curiosity
• It introduces kids to new things, a broader life, and new places
• It’s a healthy distraction
• It shapes children’s lives
• Kids don’t get hooked to devices
• It encourages two-way communication
• It improves children’s self-esteem

It’s essential to start the culture right when they are young then continue into their adulthood. If you haven’t been reading books as a family, there is still time to do it. How can you instill this culture?

Get Interesting Age-appropriate Books

If you want your toddler to get interested in books, get him colored books with picture illustrations. This will interest him more than a novel that’s taking up all your attention. Also, if you have a child who is fascinated by technology, get him tech books. Taking care of each person’s interests ensures that they look forward to the reading time.

Set a time and Place for Reading

You may want to set some time every day or once a week when you can all read together. This can be in your living room, bedroom, or study room. Ensure that there are no interruptions during the exercise, such as ringing phones or the tv. Creating a conducive reading atmosphere and keeping to the reading schedule makes everyone adapt to the tradition and get psychologically prepared for the exercise.

Start with What You Have

 If you cannot set aside one hour a day to read books with your family, it is okay but make sure to do what you can. Even if it’s just 10 minutes every day or once a week, it’s good progress. The most important thing is to be consistent in your actions and lead by example. Don’t tell the kids to read if you don’t read with them.

Buy Books

Make it exciting when you go out with your family to shop for books. Let everyone choose the books they are interested in, which makes reading them more enjoyable. When you have a book library, your family will find it easier to read even when not prompted to, like when they have free time or are just bored in the house.

Engage

Reading together is not enough. Discuss what everyone is reading, which will not only build excitement, but it’s a worthy storytelling time. When you are passionate about what you are reading and are willing to share with your family, they will also be looking forward to sharing their reading experiences with you, motivating them to read more.

Tell Stories

Storytelling is a captivating activity that grabs your children’s attention and instills in them the desire to read storybooks. You can start with stories from your childhood, books you read, and real-life experiences as long as it’s age-appropriate. Don’t just tell the stories, but let the kids ask questions and, with time, ask them to tell stories too. Telling stories stimulates cognitive learning and improves speech.

Let the Children Read to You

When they were younger, you were the one doing all the reading but now that they are old enough to read on their own, let them read to you. They will not only enjoy the activity but will be happy that you too find their books interesting.

Get them to the Library

Most libraries allow kids above five years of age or those who can write their name. Check out what the local library has to offer and make sure to visit the place with the kids. Your children will have more variety at the library, and it will also be a fun distraction where they can interact with other book lovers.

When you urge your children to read, you will be building a reading culture that will be passed on to the next generation.

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