Help kids to read: 11 tips to engage them

1. Set an example

Our first tip for parents to help kids read is to set an example. Even the grown-ups at Santa Academy love reading books, especially Christmas ones. Your child is more inclined to pick up a book if they see you reading. It encourages them to read and that it is something that can be enjoyed by children and adults. Be sure to read in front of children, they’ll soon be picking out their own books.

2. Make it a regular activity

Just like taking a bath or brushing your teeth, you should make reading a daily activity for your children. The more they read, the more they’ll get used to it. It will become part of their daily routine that they will enjoy. It could be 10 minutes at breakfast time or 10 minutes on the journey home from school. Make sure to allocate some time each day for some reading. Whether it be a book, a magazine or a leaflet, any form of reading is great for your kids.

3. Ask them to write their own stories

Another great way to help kids read is to ask them to write their own stories and read them aloud.  Whilst reading is great for kids, it’s also important for them to write. By writing their own stories, it teaches them how to spell and use new words. It also helps them with their reading. Why not ask them to write a letter to Santa and read it out loud to you?

4. Read to your kids

Reading to your kids will encourage them to read more. It’s great to read to your kids from a young age to help develop their skills. Many kids like to listen to a story before bedtime to help them fall asleep. It’s a nice way for you to bond with your children. There are so many fantastic children’s books out there that you and your children can enjoy together. Some great Christmas books you can read in December include:

• The Snowman by Raymond Briggs
• The Grinch Who Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss
• Pick a Pine Tree by Patricia Toht.

5. Encourage them to choose books

A great way to help kids read is by encouraging them to pick their own books. You could visit a library and let them pick some books they’d like to read. Or when you visit a toy shop, encourage them to choose a book instead of games. There are some great festive books you can choose from at Christmas time. You could set up a reward chart to reward them for reading books. Perhaps at the end of each month, treat them to a surprise for all their hard work reading.

6. Listen to your child read

A great way to see how your child’s reading skills are developing is by asking them to read to you. If your child is struggling or making mistakes when reading, point them out and ask them to read it again. This will help your child have a better understanding of words. Studies show repeated oral reading makes children better readers.

7. Ask questions

Another tip to help kids read is asking them to retell the story. Once you’ve finished the book, ask your child questions about the book to see what they remember. Reading isn’t just about sounding out words but remembering what you’ve read. It will improve their comprehension skills. You could ask them what their favourite part of the book was or the main character’s name.

8. Make the most of rhyme and repetition

Books and poems that contain rhymes and repeated words or phrases are great for getting kids to join in. They’ll remember the words the more times they read it and will have fun telling the story with you. Rudolph the red-nose reindeer is a great example for Christmas.

9. Phonics

You can’t write out words or sound them without knowing what sound that letter makes. Teach your children the different sounds each letter makes. Start with a few letters of the alphabet at a time then build up. The more you practise with them, the more familiar it will be to them. Phonics teaches children how to talk, spell and read.

10. One word at a time

When helping kids read, it’s important to introduce one word at a time. Too much text can be overwhelming to new readers. Choose books that don’t have too many words on a page. Ask them to sound out each word before progressing to phrases and sentences.

11. Choose suitable books

Our final tip to help kids read is to choose books that are suitable to their needs. Make sure the books you choose aren’t beyond your child’s reading abilities. The interest may be there but if the book is too difficult, they won’t be able to read it.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our blog on tips to help kids read. We hope you have fun reading together. Remember to check out some Christmas books over the festive period.

Are you still looking for Christmas activities?

If you’re still looking for Christmas activities for your children, visit us at Santa Academy.

Find new Christmas stories every day on the Lacus Herald, written by our Author, Jill. Your little one can stay up to date with their favourite characters and all the latest news from Lacus Island.

Contact us at Santa Academy for all things Christmas.

Find more fun, festive tips and ideas, such as:

• Easy Christmas crafts for kids
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• Christmas party ideas for kids
• Tips for helping kids to read
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• And many more!