Cultivating a reading culture in your home – it’s easier than you think!

 

When my kids were little we read a lot of picture books, but not much else. When we started out wth family read-aloud times I thought, ‘there’s no way my 8,7,5 and 4 year old are going to sit and listen to me read books with (dare I say it) no pictures…. not to mention the toddler running round’ but how WRONG I was!

When kids are little the dream of sharing a book by the fire, cup of cocoa in hand (without interruptions, wriggling and bickering) may seem a long while off… but I want to encourage you, developing a love of reading together whilst your kids are still young, will instil in them a love of reading that will last a lifetime!

We’ve all seen the stats… reading increases vocabulary, intelligence and creates thinker who will be life long learners. More so it creates shared experiences, discussions and deep connections that will knit our hearts together for eternity.

So here are 8 ways to get You and your family enjoying books together…

1. It starts with a choice

What do you want your future to look like? How do you dream you will spend your homeschool days together? What do you enjoy? Once you’ve figured what this means for your family you can start making steps towards it, ‘if you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time’. Part of my vision for us as a family was that we would be readers and that’s where our journey began. First set a clear vision of what you want to create and then you take actions towards that.

2. Read the right books

Think of it like eating. The books you read with your children will become the ‘soul food’ they ingest and the substance that will ‘make’ them. Read GOOD books. Books that inspire, books that provoke great thoughts, form basis for hearty discussions, books that use rich vocabulary and most importantly that you ENJOY! Once we started reading books that did the above, the rest followed. Personally we use the Ambleside online booklist.

3. Create an experience they will want to repeat

I found creating a reading ‘experience’ the master key to forming a love for reading in our home.

At first, like with all things new we did experience some resistance! However the warmth of hugs, the delight of candles lit, the smell and crackle of the fire, beautiful colouring pencils, a soothing hot drink and the intimacy of sharing a story, an experience together soon won them over. I admit at first it was more the lure of hot drinks and tasty snacks that brought them to want to read together. Now however when I see them tucked in in bed with a book, reading in the car, reading to younger siblings I know something deeper and infinitely more significant is happening.

4. Start small

Like with a good meal, its better to finish satisfied but longing for more, than feeling stuffed and the thought of eating again making your stomach turn! Start small. We read together until I see their attention waning and then we STOP! Better your kids cry for more, eager to read again the next day, than to never want you to read to them ever again.

At first we started with a page, maybe five minutes and we built it up from there. Also be sensitive who you’re reading to (there’s a huge difference between the attention span of my 5yr old and nearly 10yr old), the time of day (mine can definitely listen longer first thing or after a long walk) and if they’ve been sick etc.

Some days their appetite for reading like food will be different to others, but thats ok, thats life.

5. Consistency is key

Again to use the analogy of food, just as we eat at certain times of day and our body will crave food at these times, create a routine of reading at certain times of the day. It will in turn form a habit that will become part of your children’s daily lives. We read everyday at breakfast, mid-morning, lunchtime and bedtime, and this routine means my children come to expect and enjoy a reading at those times. We have always read together at bedtime, but we started with introducing reading at breakfast and once we had mastered that we have gradually increased the frequency and duration of our reading. Wherever you are at be encouraged, persevere, consistency is key in creating routine.

6. Keep little (and big) hands busy

Sit still! Don’t move! Stop that! are phrases I often find myself wanting to say during read aloud time… BUT, research actually shows children listen better and for longer if they are doing something with their hands. Favourites in our house are, play dough, paper, pens, chalkboards/chalks, lego, knitting etc.

I set out a few things on the table the night before so as soon as breakfast is done I can keep on reading and the activities are there already to busy their little hands.

7. Limit screen time

Given the choice, my kids would choose screen time (tv, games, apps etc) over reading I’d say MOST of the time and it’s definitely an issue when creating a reading culture in the home. Screen time is addictive and even as an adult it can take all my self-control to read a book rather than scroll through Facebook. It’s such a personal subject and everyone has to work with their own convictions. There’s such varying opinions from simply banning screens altogether to allowing unlimited time. We’ve taken a middle ground approach of allowing screens but limiting their use. Teaching children to have a healthy relationship with technology and demonstrate self-control is invaluable. This new generation more than any other has to learn to live with the benefits and challenges of advancing technologies.

8. Be an example

Lastly and most importantly be an example of the culture you want to create. If you want readers, read. If you want to raise kids who are passionate about reading, be passionate about reading. As parents we have so many things that can take our attention and keep us busy but we must be intentional about giving time to the things that matter to us the most. Taking care of our own personal needs and desires is crucial as we ‘can’t pour from an empty cup’.

Our own personal reading ensures we too are continually inspired, having great thoughts and ideas to discuss and share with our children. Your kids catching you reading and seeing you prioritise it above other things will have the greatest impact of all!

Finally, Happy reading!