October 17, 2013

5 Ways to Inspire Future Readers

When I became a mom, I got a lot of nighttime nursing time to read. I'm pretty sure I got through a book a week back then...and then the breastfeeding stopped and (sadly) the reading slowed way down. As my little girl's growing up, though, I've seen her love for books and I've decided that if I want that to continue - I need to show her how much I love books, too! It's hilarious how she does everything I do lately, and I think that setting an example of reading will really sink in. So...without further ado...


Bring a book/e-reader wherever you go

Bring one for you and one for your kid. When you're at a doctor's appointment, or waiting for the car to get the oil changed...you can both read! If your kid doesn't want to read, at least you have made the impression that reading is important to you and you want to keep a book around, just in case.

Check out things at the library for yourself AND your kids

Josie and I take a trip to the library every week and she always has a pile of books that she wants to bring home. I take the time to get books for her, but often forget books for myself! There are so many fun things to read out there, though, even it's just something new I want to learn about. Why not check out a few books for yourself while you're at it?

Have a quiet time where you both read your own books

Josie and I have time before bed where we read books together. Lately I've been seeing her reading on her own (oftentimes out loud, which is adorable), so I'll sit down and read my book while she's reading hers. It's such a fun time and I would love for it to become part of our routine.

Talk to your kids about what you're reading about

This is something that I have yet to do, but think about it - when we're staring at our picture-less pages, do our kids think we're reading anything exciting? When appropriate, we can share the stories we're reading with our kids, so they know that reading is fun even when you're older.

Make reading a priority

Above all, I know that it is so important to make reading a priority in my own life, so my child will make it a priority in hers. I'm a firm believer that there is a book for everyone, whether it's non-fiction or fiction, sci-fi or fantasy - find what you love to read and share it with your kids!


What are some ways that you share your love for reading with your kids?

9 comments:

  1. These are great suggestions! Fellow bibliophile here, trying to figure out how to convince my little one that reading is the coolest thing in the world ( which it is of course!). We homeschool so my evil master plan is coming into fruition and she is reaching for them daily, thank goodness.

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  2. Great list! :) Glad to find your blog!

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  3. Thanks for your comment on my blog about flying! This is such a great post! As a teacher I agree with all of these! I'm obsessed with hoping my son loves reading. I've also read that having Dad (or another strong male role model) in the house who reads is very powerful as well. Following your blog on bloglovin now! :) -Andrea

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  4. GREAT list and you are so right. I agree with them all! Stopping by on the Kid Lit Blog Hop. Stanley & Katrina are participating in NaNoWriMo as well (YWP). Good luck! The S&K gang is now following you on Twitter. Have a great week!

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  5. So true! about reading yourself. Many parents struggle with that and I encourage them to just tell kids what they are reading even if its online! Thanks for sharing
    -Resh @Stackingbks

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  6. Thank you so much for these wonderful tips. Reading is so important for kids and adults. Sometimes people overlook how much being a good reader impacts school success.

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  7. As a future mom (I am due in four weeks), I found this post to be very inspirational. Thank you for sharing these tips. They are wonderful.

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  8. We're book crazy in my home so I'm very happy that my kids love reading too. I particularly like your suggestion about quiet time together reading and looking at books.
    Popping over from kidlitbloghop

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  9. What a wonderful, inspirational post! These are great suggestions.
    Thanks for co-hosting the Kid Lit Blog Hop with us this week!

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