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10 Ways to Encourage Independent Reading

September 24, 2018 by Anne Campbell 5 Comments

Whether you have a reluctant reader or an enthusiastic beginning reader, encouraging a love of independent reading will set them up for success. There are some easy things to get kids excited about reading. Check out our list of favorite tips!

encourage independent reading @mylearningtable.com

How to encourage independent reading

1. Read aloud to your children every day, even when they are very little, and even when they can read by themselves, and even when they are big.

2. Surround them with books. Put equal amounts of books and toys on accessible shelves.

3. Once kids can read independently, have them read aloud to you or to the baby or to the cat or to the dog . . . Keep it fun!

4. Find picture books that feature subjects your child is passionate about: fire trucks, construction, animals, ballet, favorite characters, holidays . . .

5. If your child discovers a favorite author, collect more books by the same. Some of our favorite picture book authors are Mo Willems, Eric Carle, Kevin Henkes, David Weisner, and Leo Lionni.

encourage independent reading @mylearningtable.com

6. Choose books of varying difficulty. Alternate a challenging book with an easy one. Read chapter books, picture books, non-fiction books.

7. Offer alternate versions, such as graphic novels and condensed re-tellings as a way to introduce an author or a classic, then revisit it later on in its full version.

8. Encourage kids to read for pleasure and not always just “for school.” (Even if it’s the Lego catalog!)

9. Listen to audio books in the car.

10. Visit the library. Get kids their own library cards, give them time to browse, and let them bring home a new stack of books each time.

Tips for getting young readers excited about reading. Ideas for elementary homeschool teachers.

How do you encourage your young readers to love spending time escaping with a book? Please share your tips with us!

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Filed Under: Elementary, Homeschool, Language Arts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ Pebbles & Piggytails says

    February 26, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    Oh I love these. I’m huge into having kids learn to be independent readers. I agree with it all.

    Reply
    • Anne Campbell says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:50 PM

      Thanks so much, Lisa!

      Reply
  2. Kimberly @ Stuffed Suitcase says

    February 26, 2015 at 1:41 PM

    Great tips! I’ve found that having my kids visit the library with me helps me identify they’re favorite genres and topics. Books I’ve tried picking for my oldest she firmly says no to.

    Reply
    • Anne Campbell says

      February 26, 2015 at 10:49 PM

      It’s funny how different their tastes can be from ours! 🙂 Thanks for visiting, Kimberly

      Reply
  3. Paola @ Swallow the World says

    September 26, 2018 at 1:20 PM

    Those are very good tips, and lacking in too many environments… Conclusion: exposure, variety and letting them develop their own taste!

    Reply

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Anne Campbell mylearningtable.com

I’m Anne, a homeschool mom, editor, writer, reviewer, tutor, homeschool consultant, English and ESL teacher.

We spend our days embracing the light bulb moments of discovery and cherishing our spontaneous life. Click here to read more. This blog uses referral links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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