It’s a joy to see the spark in a toddler’s eyes when they pull a favorite book off the shelf (for the gazillionth time in a row). It means we’ve laid a foundational love of stories and the volumes that hold them. This sets kids up for so much joy, learning, and success in school and life across arenas. (After all, every school subject requires the ability to read and write, and most adulting does, too, from voting to taking medicine the right way to online banking.)
But for many parents, there is a looming question that grows as our kids do: how do we keep that spark alive once reading shifts from a cozy snuggle on the couch to a graded assignment in the classroom? For many children, the transition to school can make reading feel like a chore or a source of frustration rather than a source of wonder.
To protect that early love of books, we have to look at reading through two lenses: interest and skill. Together, these can keep kids reading as they get older. Here are some tips to build both.
Follow Your Child’s Lead
One of the most powerful ways to maintain the joy of reading is to lean into your child’s natural curiosity. If they are obsessed with space, dinosaurs, or a specific graphic novel series, feed that hunger. Don’t quell it by forcing them to read more widely or putting down less-literary reads. Embrace it, then gently stretch them, too, if and when it feels right.
- Be a literary detective: If you see your child enjoying a certain topic, head to the library to find other related books. If they love a series or author, search for additional titles other fans enjoyed.
- Respect the reread: It’s okay to read the same book over and over. Repetition helps children master the nuances of language and gives them a sense of competence.
Strong Reading Skills Build Strong Book Joy
It is very difficult for a child to fall in love with independent reading as they get older if they are constantly struggling with the mechanics of it. When reading feels like too much work, the joy quickly evaporates.
- Foundational play: Long before formal schooling, simple games like singing nursery rhymes or playing with letter sounds build the underlying skills that make learning to read easier later on.
- Early support: Building strong reading skills early—through conversation, word games, and exposure to text—ensures that when kids get to school, they have the tools to actually enjoy assigned reading. Still, lots of kids need extra support, from tutoring to intervention for learning differences. Consult experts and pull in help early if needed.
Book Club Culture Keeps Reading Social
Reading doesn’t have to become a solitary, silent activity once your child can read on their own. Maintaining a social element can reinforce the habit and keep it fun.
- Read separately, together: Try sitting down next to your little one with a book of your own for a cozy evening side-by-side. You might even try reading one of their favorite titles yourself—and then be sure to let them know you enjoyed it.
- Talk it up: Treat your home like a mini book club where you share and debate stories. You can start by talking about what you’re reading and see if your child follows suit.
- Read out loud (still): Your days of shared stories don’t have to end when your child learns to read. You can still read to them, too. Reading aloud can be a great way to share books with vocabulary they can understand but not sound out—or books you want them to read that they don’t reach for on their own!
- Build a social circle: As kids get older, the peer element of reading—like everything else—can become huge. Encourage them to trade books with friends or join a reading club at the library.
Whether you’re reading a dystopian novel alongside your teenager or pointing out individual letters to your preschooler, your connection builds their reading skill and interest. Together, those can keep reading from turning into a chore.
