top of page
Writer's pictureopaandrews

Want Kids to Read More?


“Now I know my ABCs; next time, won’t you sing with me?” First, kids learn the alphabet; next, they listen to stories read aloud, and soon, they learn how to read on their own. So, what happens after they learn to read? Hopefully, they’ll read more! Here’s a way to get your kids to read more that worked for me!




One thing that you can do to get your child to read more is to leave a book or books in the car. My mom would leave a few books that I enjoyed reading repeatedly in the car for me. When I was little, we would go to the local library every week and leave a couple of the board books or picture books in the car.


Later, I remember rereading the Amulet series and Captain Underpants books several times in the car. As I got older, I would leave a novel in the car that I only read in the car, like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This was good because if we had to drive a long distance, wait at a doctor's office, or simply were bored, I could just grab a book and start reading. 




Another way you can get your kid to read more is by downloading a few books that they like onto either a tablet or a phone. I have a few books I enjoy rereading on my phone/tablet, so if I get bored on a road trip or just feel like reading, I don’t have to remember to bring a book. I can just read on my phone.  



I am currently reading The Shining by Stephen King and have it as my car book. Here’s me the other night. We had an unexpected doctor's appointment and stopped at Panera to eat and let my sister finish her homework. I was able to get some good reading in after I finished my food.


I'd love to hear from you. What’s a book that you and/or your kid like to read over and over again? Do you have any tips to help kids or adults read more? Thanks for reading!


Recent Posts

See All

9 Comments


Being able to pick books you are interested in helps a lot no matter what age you are. We have a lot of books about dinosaurs, reptiles, and carnivorous plants at our house. 🦎

Like
Replying to

Hi Sarah, I used to really enjoy books about dinosaurs and reptiles as well! Have you ever read the original Jurassic Park book by Michael Chrichton?

Like

I have books in different formats to encourage myself to read. I'll have a physical copy of one or two different books and keep another book on my iPad, that way I can read at any time of day.

Like
Replying to

Hi Isa, that's very smart of you to do! Are there any books that you prefer in digital form more than physical (or vice versa)?

Like

I like the idea of leaving books around so that if someone is bored, reading is always an option.

Like
Replying to

Hi Shellie, I agree completely that having books around is a good way to not be bored. Thanks for supporting me by reading the article, are there any ways that you like to encourage reading?

Like

I loved rereading Hatchet as a kid. A trick I use to read more is to read 5 pages in a book first thing when I wake up.

Edited
Like
Replying to

Ben Mikaelsen -- who wrote "Countdown" and "Touching Spirit Bear," among others -- was good friends with Gary Paulsen. It seems like whenever I speak with him, he brings up Hatchet!

Like
bottom of page