Library 

Lucie Hill

Library Technician

MAKING READING FUN AND ENJOYABLE FOR CHILDREN

Reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. It builds imagination, strengthens language skills, and opens the door to lifelong learning. Most importantly, it should be enjoyable!

Here are some simple ways to help make reading fun at home:

Let Them Choose

Children are much more engaged when they get to choose what they read. Whether it is comics, joke books, fact books about animals, or stories about superheroes, it all counts as reading!

Make It a Special Routine

Set aside a regular time each day for reading. It could be before bed, after dinner, or even 10 quiet minutes after school. A cosy blanket, a comfy chair and a calm space can make reading feel like a treat.

Bring Stories to Life

Use funny voices for characters, add dramatic pauses, or act out parts of the story together. The more expressive and playful the reading experience, the more memorable it becomes.

Take Turns

Share the reading. You might read a page and then your child reads the next. For emerging readers, encourage them to read familiar words or repeated phrases.

Talk about the Story

Ask simple questions like:

What was your favourite part?

How do you think the character felt?

What do you think will happen next?

There are no right or wrong answers. It is about enjoying the conversation.

Celebrate All Reading

Reading is not just storybooks! Recipes, signs, magazines, game instructions and even shopping lists all help children see reading as part of everyday life.

When children see reading as enjoyable rather than a chore, they are far more likely to develop a lifelong love of books. Even a few minutes each day can make a big difference.

Happy reading!