5 Ways to Motivate Your Child to Read

Are you having trouble getting your child motivated to read? If so, you’re not alone! I’m North Carolina school assembly presenter Joe Romano and I want to help. Over the last 30 years, I’ve helped schools across the United States encourage their students to pick up books and get fired up about reading. This article will outline five things you can do starting today to get your child interested in books.

Reading Motivation Technique for Kids #1: Rule Out Vision Problems

It’s amazing what children will keep to themselves! If your child is having a hard time reading, they may have vision problems. Because many kids don’t like to speak up if they’re having a problem, it may be a good idea to schedule a trip to the eye doctor. Even if your child has no vision issues, you’ll feel better knowing you crossed one possibility off the list.

Reading Motivation Technique for Kids #2: Find Topics Your Child Enjoys

Part of the reason why some kids don’t enjoy reading is they’ve never been exposed to books about things they enjoy. It doesn’t matter if your child is into science, video games, sports, fashion, or even magic. Your local library is sure to be loaded with fun books on that topic.

Remember, some kids are intimated by unfamiliar surroundings. You may want to consider going on a tour of the library with your child. Introduce them to the children’s librarian. Many of these folks are delighted to welcome new youngsters into their library. Most are kind souls eager to help introduce a wonderful world of reading to children.

Reading Motivation Technique for Kids #3: Choose Books on Your Child’s Reading Level

There might be a simple reason explaining your child’s reluctance to read. They may be asked to read books too advanced. They may find themselves feeling frustrated. And to avoid these feelings, they might choose to avoid books as much as possible.

On the other hand, your child may be asked to read books below their reading level! They may get bored just as easily if they’re not being challenged with books at just the right level.

If you’re not sure if your child is not reading at the right level, schedule a parent-teacher conference., Bring your concerns to your child’s teacher. Working together, you may be able to find out if your child is reading at the appropriate reading level.

Reading Motivation Technique for Kids #4: Limit Screen Time

Many kids are addicted to their screens. Come to think of it, so are many adults! Screen addiction is a real thing. One thing you can do to help kids read more is limit their screen time. You can also turn screen time into a reward. When your child hits certain reading milestones, you can allow a certain amount of time on their screens.

How much reading your child needs to do to earn screen time depends on their reading level. And the books should, once again, be on your child’s reading level. One caveat: the books should be on a topic your child enjoys. Remember the words of Mary Poppins: A spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down!

Reading Motivation Technique for Kids #5: Serve as an Example

I saved this for last because I know some grownups reading this will groan. But an easy way to encourage your child to read more is simple. Become an avid reader yourself! Child model the behavior of the trusted adults around them. Want your kid to read more? Read more yourself!

Here’s a sobering statistic. According to Literacy Inc, 50% of adults in the United States are unable to read a book at or above an eighth-grade reading level. As someone who loves to read, I find that statistic very depressing!

And the numbers are getting worse, too. According to an article in Newsweek in 2022, Adults in the U.S. are reading fewer books than ever. Adults who read more than 10 books in a given year have dropped dramatically. And it’s getting worse, even among college graduates.

Take Turns Reading with Your Child

We can hardly expect our kids to become avid readers if we don’t. One way to turn reading from a chore into something fun is by interaction. Get your books out Sit down on a comfy sofa with your child. And then take turns reading to each other. Yes, I’m serious! If both of you are involved, reading becomes less passive. Done this way, reading can serve as a wonderful bonding experience with your child, too.

Want to Get Your Child’s Entire School Excited About Reading?

I’ve been presenting my Books! The Magic is Real! Reading assembly for 30 years. It’s perfect for K-5 elementary schools in North Carolina. With a combination of jaw-dropping magic, audience participation, music, and kid-friendly humor, it’s the perfect complement to your school’s PARP or Read Across America program. Visit the Reading School Assembly webpage for more details!