Encouraging reading habits among children is crucial for their academic and emotional development and overall understanding of the world. While screens have become an integral part of our lives, it's essential to strike a balance and promote reading alongside digital activities.
Here are some strategies that companies and schools can adopt to encourage reading:
- Organize book socials at home:
Book socials are like mini book clubs where you and your kids can read, discuss and enjoy books together. Here are some tips on how to organize them:
- Choose a theme or a genre that your kids are interested in. For example, you can pick fantasy, mystery, adventure, etc. You can also choose a specific author or series that your kids love.
- Invite some friends or family members who also have kids of similar ages and interests. You can use online platforms like Zoom or Skype to connect with them if they live far away.
- Prepare some snacks and drinks that match the theme of the book. For example, if you are reading Harry Potter, you can make some butterbeer or chocolate frogs. You can also ask your guests to bring some snacks to share.
- Have some fun activities related to the book. For example, you can play trivia games, do crafts, act out scenes, or dress up as the characters. You can also have some prizes for the winners or participants.
- Encourage your kids to share their opinions and thoughts about the book. You can ask them questions like what they liked or disliked, what they learned, what they would do differently, etc. You can also have them rate the book on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
- Visual Displays: Deck those walls! Place visual displays in your kid’s room or classroom walls or hallways that highlight the importance and joy of reading sends a powerful message. Large artistic depictions of books or their contents can serve as hooks for students. For example, a Chicago school transformed its halls into a "giant motivational tableau" encouraging reading through photography.
3. Model a Love of Reading: Teachers play a crucial role in modeling a love for reading. Carrying a book while waiting at the dentist’s office or talking about the one they have just completed, one they're currently reading, and the next one in their queue—demonstrates their interest in various topics or genres. When students see their teachers passionate about reading, it inspires them to explore books as well.
To know which picture book to pick, check out these links
4. Have your kid maintain a reading journal/ diary log
Empower students by asking for their recommendations for great reads. Book talks—brief presentations that serve as advertisements for specific books—can pique interest without summarizing the entire plot. Students, teachers, and staff can share their thoughts on books they've read and why they recommend them. Introverted students can write reviews on sticky notes or place recommended books on a special shelf.
5. Highlight Individual Authors: Use narratives and biographies of individual authors to promote interest in their work. Sharing authors' websites with students allows them to explore more about the creators behind their favorite books. Inviting emerging authors to speak about their journey during “professions around us” week, Book publishing workshops, etc
To book an author visit, send us a query on
www.storiesandbeyond.org/contactus
