Ways to Encourage Children to Read for Fun

Sophia at her graduation from City, University of London.

The benefits children (and adults) gain from reading are vast—like vocabulary, grammar, knowledge, relaxation, empathy, and mental well-being. But, as Tracey alluded to in her introductory note, children are reading for fun less.

Sophia Dramm, Editor and Engagement Manager at Fresh Water Press, researched how to encourage children to read for fun for her MA dissertation at City, University of London. There are many ways to encourage reading, so this list is not comprehensive.

1. Read aloud to children regularly

When kids are read aloud to by adults, they get to relax and enjoy the reading without pressure. It creates a pleasant, cozy experience for the child. They develop a positive association with reading and are more motivated to read on their own.

Importantly, reading aloud must be for fun. There should be no quizzing or homework, otherwise it becomes work for the child and is no longer enjoyable.

What you can do: Keep reading aloud to children, even when they can read on their own.

2. Let children choose what they want to read

When you let children choose what they want to read (whether they read alone or are read aloud to), they’re more motivated to read a book that is interesting to them. If they don’t like a book and are forced to read it, it discourages them from reading in general.

Be open-minded about what books kids choose. It may not be standard chapter books. It could be graphic novels, books about TV or movie characters, video game manuals, even picture books that are younger than their age range. As long as they enjoy it, it doesn’t matter what they read.

What you can do: Give children the choice in what to read and don’t judge them.

3. Give children access to a wide range of books

Children need access to a wide range of books. (In this context, “access” means how easily kids can find and read a book they’re interested in.) Research shows that children who have more access to books are more likely to read.

The research doesn’t explain why this is, but my theory is that by giving kids a wide range of options, they can discover what they like—to echo #2. Another theory is that having books readily available gives kids more opportunities to read.

What you can do: Visit the public library, school library, and local bookstores to expose children to many options and discover what they like.

🌟 The overall message is:

Reading needs to be enjoyable in order for kids to want to read. Let them read what they want. All reading is good reading!

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