How to make young elementary kid love reading?

[Anonymous]

I think the love of reading has to be built over time from the early toddler years. We always have a lot of books around in all three languages spoken in the house. We read to our DS everyday before bed. Now that he is 9, we still read books in our two different languages to him before bed. DS has turned into a bookworm and his favorite downtime is to curl up on the sofa with a book. We do a weekly library run and I buy a bunch of used and new books often. DS does get his daily screen time around 40 mins per day. Still plenty of time to read and play outside.

[Anonymous]

You can't make anyone love anything. You can provide opportunities. You can provide books you think they'll like. You can model your love of reading.

And know that it will change over time. My oldest was a voracious reader - he read nonstop. And then turned 13 and hasn't read a book outside of school in over a year. He listens to audiobooks daily.

My middle hated reading. And now in 6th grade, has been reading a book a week.

My youngest loves reading, but who knows what will happen as she gets older.

[Anonymous]

Go to a bookstore or a public library and speak with the experts for recommendations. Don’t only rely on internet for recommendations or your friends or even your own memories of favorite books.

[Anonymous]

Libraries still have books on CD. It’s worth getting a player. No internet connection!

My first grader is listening to Harry Potter as she falls asleep.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a huge reader and really want my kids to share that. My oldest DD is 7 and reads above her level considerably but I end up fighting her to sir down and read a book. I am guessing forcing it is not the way to get her to love reading so are there any other idea?

You read to them.

Read what they want to hear.

Take them to the library read to them there as well.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the love of reading has to be built over time from the early toddler years. We always have a lot of books around in all three languages spoken in the house. We read to our DS everyday before bed. Now that he is 9, we still read books in our two different languages to him before bed. DS has turned into a bookworm and his favorite downtime is to curl up on the sofa with a book. We do a weekly library run and I buy a bunch of used and new books often. DS does get his daily screen time around 40 mins per day. Still plenty of time to read and play outside.

My kid loved to read like this, and it all fell apart when they turned 12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Graphic novels are the gateway drug to reading. They're easy and get kids exposed to the idea of caring about a character. I would pick up books I thought my DCs would like and just leave them laying around, including in the bathroom. I also read to my DCs for years long after they could read on their own. My thought was always encouraging them to consider books for entertainment, not because it was good for them. They also see me reading all the time.

+1 these were the key for my kid (almost 7) who just would not sit down and read a book ever despite being fully capable. Find out what books are most popular for her age group and get them even if it costs you a small fortune bc the library can’t keep the books in stock and your kid is suddenly finishing 3 books / day. Ask me how I know.