I have a passion for teaching kids to become readers, to become comfortable with a book, not daunted. Books shouldn’t be daunting, they should be funny, exciting and wonderful; and learning to be a reader gives a terrific advantage.” – Roald Dahl

As homeschoolers, we are fortunate to have the opportunity to play a significant role in our children’s learning journey to become a reader and surround them with books, providing them with the chance to explore the world from the comfort of our homes. For me personally, books have been an essential part of my life, and I can’t imagine living without them. In my household and among my friends, we are constantly talking about books and their impact.

One of the advantages of homeschooling is that we can help our children read more and develop a passion for books, which can be more challenging if they were in a traditional school environment. Studies have proven the benefits of being an avid reader and lifelong learner. Reading helps people develop empathy and critical thinking skills, and it has also been shown to boost our brains, with some research even suggesting that avid readers will live longer. Reading is also a great stress reducer, and research indicates that just a few minutes of reading a day can significantly reduce stress levels and improve brain function.

So, how can we naturally foster a love of reading in ourselves and our children?

1. Prioritize reading time: Set aside a specific time for reading every day. Creating a routine for reading helps establish a love for it.
2. Be a role model: Children learn by example, so let them see you enjoying a good book. Put down your phone or tablet and pick up a book instead.
3. Read while eating breakfast: Make use of any free moments by reading while eating breakfast or during another downtime.
4. Discuss books at home: Engage in book talks with your family and friends. Share your thoughts on books, read passages aloud, and recommend books to each other.
5. Make reading fun: Avoid forcing your child to read. Instead, provide a variety of reading materials and let them choose what they want to read.
6. Host a book club or book party: Encourage children to read with siblings, and friends, or participate in a book club.
7. Allow children to choose their books: Letting children choose their books fosters their interests and can help develop a passion for reading.
8. Read aloud: Reading aloud is a great way to bond with your child and improve their reading skills.
9. Make books easily accessible: Place books in every room of the house, including the bathroom and in the car. Encourage children to pick up a book whenever they have free time.
10. Host a weekly family reading night: Set aside a night for the family to read together, share what they’re reading, and enjoy each other’s company.
11. Let older children read to younger ones: Encourage sibling bonding by having older children read to younger siblings.
12. Read to pets: Encourage your children to read to their pets for a calming and fun experience.
13. Visit the library: Take the family to the library regularly and allow children to take their time exploring and finding new books.
14. Get an account for ebooks from the library
15. Host a book swap party: Invite friends to trade books with each other.
16. Create an attractive library space: Make reading more appealing by creating a cozy and inviting library space in your home.
17. Create a cozy reading nook: Find a comfortable spot in your home and make it a cozy reading nook with pillows, blankets, and good lighting.
18. Visit bookstores: Take your child to a bookstore and let them explore and discover new books.
19. Attend author readings: Check with local libraries or bookstores for author readings and encourage children to ask questions and get their books signed.
20. Have tea and read: Make reading time special by having tea and snacks while reading.
21. Allow for drawing while reading aloud: Keep younger children engaged during read-aloud by allowing them to draw or do crafts.
22. Choose a literature-based curriculum: Incorporate fiction books into school subjects to make learning more enjoyable.
23. Read before bed: Let children read before bed to relax and wind down.
24. Set reading goals and reward achievements: Encourage reading by setting goals and offering rewards for reaching them.
25. Read outdoors: Take advantage of good weather and read outside.
26. Get an e-reader: Consider getting an e-reader for your child to make reading more accessible and convenient.
27. Encourage reading with family and friends: Invite grandparents, neighbors, and friends to read with your child for a fun and engaging experience.
28. Connect through video chat: Keep distant family members involved in reading by setting up virtual reading sessions.
29. Create a reading challenge: Set a goal for your kids to read a certain number of books within a given period, and offer rewards or incentives for reaching the goal. This can motivate kids to read more and make it a fun activity.
30. Read books that have been adapted into movies: Watch the movie adaptation of a book with your kids when they have finished reading the book.