Reading has always been a huge part of my heart as a homeschool mom. There’s something so magical about watching your child fall into a story, travel to a new world, or laugh out loud at a silly character. But I’ll be honest—getting my own kids to enjoy reading didn’t happen overnight. It’s something we nurtured slowly and intentionally.
If you're wondering how to encourage reading habits in children, you’re not alone. Whether you're a homeschooling parent like me, or just looking to boost your child’s reading interest, I’m sharing practical, tried-and-true tips that really work. These aren’t just Pinterest ideas or things that sound nice—these are strategies I’ve used with my own children that help foster a lifelong love of reading.
1. Create a Cozy Reading Environment
Children (and adults!) read more when the space feels inviting. I didn’t go overboard—just a small bookshelf, a comfy bean bag, soft lighting, and a few pillows in a corner of our living room. We called it the "book nook."
Whether it's a corner in their bedroom or a blanket fort under the table, let your child help decorate a space that feels special. Add a small basket where they can rotate their favorite books every week. When kids have a place that feels like it’s made just for reading, they’re more likely to gravitate toward it.
2. Let Them Choose Their Own Books
I used to think I had to choose the "best" books for my kids to read, but the real key was letting them choose. Whether it was graphic novels, silly joke books, or books about sharks—if they picked it, they were more excited to read it.
Take your kids to the library or local bookstore regularly. Give them a budget or let them pick a few titles. When they’re part of the process, they feel ownership, and that makes all the difference.
3. Make Reading a Daily Routine (But Keep It Light)
In our homeschool routine, reading is non-negotiable, but I don’t make it feel like a chore. We read during breakfast, before bed, and sometimes even on nature walks (yes, we bring books with us!).
If your child isn’t yet in love with reading, keep the sessions short and sweet. Ten minutes a day is more effective than an hour once a week. Keep the pressure low and the joy high.
4. Model a Love for Reading Yourself
Kids copy what they see. I noticed my daughter mimicking me once—sitting on the couch with a book and even crossing her legs the same way. That’s when I realized: She’s watching.
I’ve always loved to read. Whether it’s a cozy novel, a devotional, about parenting, child development or even a homeschool guidebook, reading is something I truly enjoy—and my kids can see that. I talk about the books I’m into, and I make time for reading in front of them, not just after they go to bed.
Let your kids see you reading for fun. Share what you’re learning, what made you laugh, or even what you didn’t enjoy. When reading is a normal, joyful part of your life, it becomes a natural and valued part of theirs too.
5. Read Aloud—Even to Older Kids
This is one of my favorite parts of our homeschool days. Reading aloud helps with vocabulary, comprehension, and connection. It opens up discussion and brings books to life.
Don’t stop once they can read on their own. Even older kids benefit from listening to more complex stories. We recently finished Charlotte’s Web as a family, and it sparked the sweetest conversations about friendship, loss, and bravery.
We loved it so much that I actually created a special resource for it:
Enchanting Adventures: Charlotte’s Web Unit Study for 4th and 5th Grade Homeschoolers.
It’s packed with thoughtful activities, a quiz with answers, a certificate of completion, and fun cross-curricular connections in science, art, and literature. If you're planning to read the book as a family, this unit makes it even more meaningful!
Use different voices, pause for questions, and laugh together. These shared moments are where the real love of reading blooms.
6. Incorporate Books Into Everyday Life
Reading doesn’t always mean sitting down with a traditional book. Let it seep into your daily life:
-
Read recipes together when cooking.
-
Follow step-by-step instructions for a craft or science experiment.
-
Ask your child to help you read the grocery list.
This shows that reading has real-world value and connects with their interests. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra reading without them even realizing it.
7. Use Technology—But Wisely
Yes, we use screens—but we’re intentional. Audiobooks have been a game changer for long drives or quiet time. Apps like Epic or Libby give access to thousands of books and are perfect for independent readers.
That said, I make sure screen-based reading doesn’t replace physical books completely. There’s just something about holding a book and flipping through the pages that can’t be beat.
8. Celebrate Their Reading Milestones
Celebrate the little wins. Finished their first chapter book? Make a special bookmark together. Read every day for a month? Let them pick a new book or plan a themed reading picnic.
In our home, we keep a “reading jar” where the kids write the title of every book they finish. At the end of the month, we read the slips aloud and celebrate their progress.
These small moments of recognition fuel motivation and confidence.
9. Introduce Book-Themed Activities
Bring stories to life with hands-on activities. After reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, we made a fruit salad together. After a chapter from Magic Tree House, we researched ancient Egypt and made mini pyramids from sugar cubes.
These activities create deeper connections and make reading an experience, not just an assignment. It’s also a great way to involve siblings of different ages.
10. Be Patient and Stay Positive
Not every child becomes a reader overnight. Some seasons will be easier than others. If your child is struggling, try different formats—graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines—or even co-read a book together.
Honestly, I’m still working on this with my own son. He doesn’t naturally gravitate toward books the way my daughter does, and that’s okay. We’ve tried so many different things—from listening to audiobooks during car rides to reading comics together—and each small step matters. Some weeks he’s more into it, and some weeks we take a break and come back to it gently. It’s still a work in progress, and I’m learning to meet him where he’s at.
I remind myself often: the goal isn’t to raise a bookworm overnight—it’s to plant seeds that grow into a lifelong love of reading.
Stay patient, stay consistent, and above all—keep it joyful.
Final Thoughts
Fostering a love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids. It opens up their imagination, builds empathy, and teaches them how to learn on their own.
The most important part? Make it personal. Tune into your child’s interests, create a nurturing space, and most of all—enjoy the journey together.
If this post helped you, feel free to share it with a fellow parent or homeschooler. And I’d love to hear what strategies have worked in your home—leave a comment below!
Related Posts You Might Like:
Thank you for reading my blog! Stay tuned for more tips, resources, and printable materials to help make your homeschooling experience enjoyable and effective. Check out my store for a variety of educational products and printables to assist you on your homeschooling journey.
~With love,
Nancy at Cleverly Kindred ❤️
Comments
Post a Comment