These days it seems like children prefer to sit in front of screens rather than engage with old-fashioned print. Here are a few easy and effective ways you can encourage kids to pick up a book and read.

Reading enriches our lives in so many ways, from its ability to reduce stress and help us relax to the way it exposes us to new experiences, cultures and emotions.

Researchers have even found that reading for pleasure is more important to a child’s cognitive development and life achievement than a parent’s level of education or social class.

So with Children’s Book Week just around the corner, what can you do to inspire your kids to read more for fun? Here are a few practical ideas.

1. Track down the book version of their favourite movie or TV show

Most kids have a long list of movies or television shows they love to watch again and again, and there’s a good chance that the plotlines of at least some of these movies or TV shows are adapted from books.

So if you’re trying to encourage a book-shy child to start reading more regularly, start by researching which of their favourite movies or shows are based on books and then track these books down.

Some examples include the Harry Potter series, the Chronicles of Narnia and How to Train Your Dragon. There are plenty of others out there, though, so check out this list for more ideas.

2. Find books written by or about their role models

Does your child have a hero or role model they idolise and love talking about? It might be a celebrated athlete like Muhammad Ali or a TV personality like Bear Grylls. Many famous people have written their own autobiography or have been the subject of a book.

Getting these types of books for your kids is another great way to get them excited about reading in their free time. Just make sure to check the book’s reviews beforehand so you can gauge whether or not the content would be age-appropriate.

– Marianne Stenger

Read More: 5 ways to inspire kids to read for fun

 

Photo Source – Amanda Tipton/Flickr