Reading Routine for Kids

Establishing a reading routine for kids is so helpful with teaching them at an early age. I have loved putting together a reading routine for kids that works for families.

One of the greatest things we have done with our kids is establishing a reading routine. Now that they are in school and required to read 20-30 minutes a day, it’s nice to already have them on a schedule. Reading is something we started with our kids at a very young age which I think is key. Although, if your kids are older and you are just starting a reading routine, don’t stress. They still have plenty of time to develop a love for reading. The first thing to do when you are establishing a reading routine for your own kids is to look at your family schedule. Are mornings or evenings best for your kids to sit down, without being rushed. This is a time where they should be able to be whisked away into a good book. For us, evenings right before bed are best. We do our night time routine of getting jammies on, brushing teeth and so forth then once everyone is tucked into bed, we allow them 20-30 minutes to read with the lights on before going to sleep.

We decided on this time because we had weeks on end of feeling frustrated that the kids wouldn’t go to sleep at night. They were so wild every night at bedtime. What we realized was that they needed a bit of time to unwind. Reading made for the perfect unwinding time. This also gave us the opportunity to teach them self discipline. We don’t go back in and turn off the lights for them. No, we give them a time on their clock and expect that they be responsible and turn the lights off at that time themselves. Another thing we did that helped develop our kids love of reading was to allow them each to pick up some new books. In fact, going to the bookstore every month or two months is one of our favorite things to do. We always make an afternoon of it. We read books, going to the Sees Chocolate candy store and then letting the kids choose a book for themselves. The best part is that paperback children’s books are usually only $4-5.

When the Scholastic book fair happens at your kids school, that’s a great time for buying new books. Or when they send out those little book packets, let your kids get excited about what is there. Have them choose something they really want to read then hold them to reading what they have chosen when it arrives.

Here are a few other ideas for establishing a reading routine for kids:

• Create a cozy reading space or nook where kids can relax and let their imaginations run wild in some of their favorite books. Simply add a mini bookshelf with their favorite books and some floor pillows to a corner of their room for an easy reading nook.
• Read YOUR favorite books in front of your children. This will be an example to them that reading is fun. It lets them know that it is also a priority and something you as a parent value.
• Read to your kids. Get animated and add fun voices. Practice intonation and even use accents where necessary.
• Make sure that you encouraging reading routines by following through with having them read every day. Don’t get casual in this. Make sure that they know it is something they do each day just like brushing their teeth.
• Make reading fun by providing reading time snacks or themed animals that match the characters from the books they are reading.

Looking for more family fun? Bring back the lost art of snail mail with these fun ideas…

Photography by Amie Pendle