Practical Tips for Encouraging Your Child to Read During the Vacation

Vacation time offers a fantastic opportunity for kids to explore new books, discover different genres, and improve their literacy skills. Here are some practical tips to help you make reading a fun and engaging part of your child’s vacation.

1. Let your child choose their books.

Allow your child to select books that pique their interest, whether it’s fantasy, adventure or mystery. Also encourage them to try different authors and genres, including those by local authors. Exploring books set in their home country helps them connect with their cultural heritage, see themselves represented in stories and gain a deeper appreciation of their own community.

2. Offer books on different platforms.

Introduce your child to e-books for a different reading experience. Many platforms offer free or affordable e-books, and they can be accessed on tablets or e-readers. Check out websites like Epic!, Storyline Online, Storynory and International Children’s Digital Library.

Additionally, consider incorporating audiobooks into your child’s reading routine. Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy stories while doing other activities, and they can be particularly engaging during long car rides or while relaxing at home. If your child finds reading particularly challenging, you can also explore Bookshare as they use word highlighting and customisable text size and colours to suit your child’s learning style.

3. Make reading a joint activity.

Establish a consistent reading time each week. This could be a quiet moment before bed or a dedicated time during the day when everyone reads together. Letting your child see you reading regularly will show them that reading is valuable and enjoyable.

You and your child can also choose books together and take turns reading them aloud. This not only fosters a love for reading but also strengthens family bonds.

After reading, discuss the books together. Talk about your favourite parts, characters, and what you found interesting. This encourages deep thinking and makes reading a shared experience.

4. Check out movie or TV adaptations.

Watch movie or TV adaptations of books. Afterwards, discuss how the adaptation compares to the book and the version your child prefers.

5. Create a reward system.

Set up a reading challenge with specific goals, such as reading a certain number of books or pages. Offer rewards for meeting these goals, such as a special outing or a small prize. You can also use a sticker chart to track progress visually. Every time your child finishes a book or a set number of pages, they can add a sticker to the chart.

6. Set up a cosy reading space.

Designate a comfortable and inviting space in your home for reading. Furnish it with pillows, a cosy blanket, good lighting and a variety of books to keep your child excited and motivated to read.