Not every child loves reading right away, and that is completely okay. Many children need time, support, and the right kind of encouragement before they feel confident with books. The good news is that there are many simple ways to help a reluctant reader grow into someone who enjoys stories, learns from them, and feels proud of their progress.
Start With What They Love
One of the best ways to encourage reading is to begin with the child’s interests. If they love animals, choose books about pets or wild creatures. If they enjoy cars, superheroes, cooking, or space, look for books on those topics. When a child reads about something they already care about, reading feels less like work and more like fun.
Keep it Light and Positive
Children can sense when adults feel stressed or worried about their reading. Try to keep the atmosphere relaxed. Celebrate small steps, like reading one page or even one sentence. A simple “You did great today” can make a big difference. When reading feels safe and positive, children are more willing to try again.
Offer Different Kinds of Reading
Reading doesn’t always mean sitting with a long chapter book. Many children enjoy:
- Comics or Graphic Novels
- Magazines
- Short Stories
- Joke Books
- Picture Books in English and Other Languages
- Fact Books with Photos
- Audiobooks & Talking Books
These still count as reading. In fact, they can help build confidence and vocabulary in a gentle way.
Here are our top 5 tips on encouraging reading in your family –
1. Read Together
Reading aloud is a powerful tool. When an adult reads to a child, the child hears how words sound, how sentences flow, and how stories work. You can take turns reading pages, or the child can simply listen. Listening to stories helps them understand that reading can be enjoyable, even magical.
2. Make Reading Part of Every Day
A short, regular reading time works better than long, stressful sessions. Even five minutes a day can help. You and your family might read before bed, after school, or during breakfast. When you as a parent model reading for relaxation, it helps to build healthy reading habits in your family.
3. Create a Cozy Reading Space
A comfortable spot can make reading more inviting. It doesn’t need to be fancy. A soft pillow, a warm blanket, and a small basket of books can turn a corner of the room into a special reading place. Children often enjoy having a space that feels like their own.
4. Language & Talking About Books
By increasing everyday conversations about books and the world your child lives in, it grows your child’s vocabulary, which in turn, increases their reading capacity.
When starting, try music, singing and audiobooks to introduce new words to your child’s vocabulary.
After reading, asking questions about your child’s day and when reading, try questions like “What was your favourite part?” or “Which character did you like?”
This helps children think about the story and share their ideas. It also shows them that reading is not just about saying words – it’s about understanding and enjoying them.
5. Book into Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies is a popular program at Brimbank Libraries which helps young readers to practice their reading skills in a friendly environment. Check Reading Buddies session times at your local branch.
Encouraging a reluctant reader takes patience, kindness, and creativity. Every child learns at their own pace, and every small step forward is worth celebrating. With the right support, even the most hesitant reader can discover the joy of books.
The Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge is currently underway, offering a great opportunity to set a simple reading goal and get started.
