How to Foster a Love of Reading as a Family
It’s the most wonderful time of the year — for parents, that is. It’s Back to School Season, and with that, parents and students are busy checking off their school supply lists and preparing for the new school year.
With upcoming calendar days like National Read a Book Day 2021 on September 6 and International Literacy Day on September 8, we thought it might be helpful to also make reading top of mind too. We here at Copper love all things words and books, and today on The Emerald, we are sharing strategies for encouraging that same love of reading in our kids.
1. Introduce books and regular reading to children at a young age.
Habits are formed at an early age. Some studies show that children develop habits as early as the age of 9. While it’s never too late to develop a love of words, childhood is such a pivotal time to cultivate a love of reading. Whether it’s the classic bedtime story, trips to the library, or encouraging your child to find a book series or character that they really love, make reading the norm early on.
2. Encourage reading outside of school.
Another simple yet powerful tool to have in your arsenal is to encourage reading outside of the classroom. Make reading fun for your kids. Reading doesn’t just have to mean lesson plans and homework; it can also mean colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and whimsical storylines in outlandish worlds. Invite your kids to read a variety of book genres and help them find a book that excites them!
3. Engage with what your children are reading at home.
This is great parenting advice that applies beyond reading: take an interest in what interests your child. If your daughter or son is reading a book, engage with them about it. Ask questions, and genuinely take an interest in what excites or intrigues them.
4. Incorporate reading into social media platforms.
You kids are always glued to their phones anyway. So why not make the internet and social media a tool to bolster their love of reading? TikTok, for example, has fostered a new generation of book lovers in Gen Z. Fans are now sharing book review videos using the hashtag #BookTok, and they are also connecting with authors and following their journeys.
What ideas do you have on how to foster a love of reading in the next generation? Share them with us @meetcopper so we can continue to share them with our Copper Community.
