Ask the Experts: How Can I Encourage My Child to Develop a Love for Reading?

My 3-year-old is not very interested in books. How can I encourage a love of reading and storytelling?

Answer:

Introducing young children to the world of books and reading can be incredibly rewarding. Here are a few strategies to foster a love for reading:

• Make Reading Fun: Incorporate songs, rhymes, and finger puppets to make reading more engaging. The more interactive and fun the experience, the more likely your child will want to explore books on their own.

• Choose Books that Match Their Interests: Pay attention to the things your child loves (animals, trucks, princesses, etc.) and choose books that revolve around those topics. When children feel connected to the content, they’re more likely to develop an interest.

• Read Aloud Every Day: Set aside time each day for reading together. Even if your child isn’t showing interest, make it a regular routine. Over time, they’ll come to associate reading with positive feelings and fun.

  
  

When a child sees reading as an enjoyable and rewarding experience, it sparks curiosity and opens the door to lifelong learning.

References: 

Biemiller, A. (2006). Vocabulary development and its implications for reading comprehension. Topics in Language Disorders, 26(4), 312-328.

Whitehurst, G. J., & Lonigan, C. J. (2001). Emergent literacy: Development from prereaders to readers.

S. B. Neuman & D. K. Dickinson (Eds.), Handbook of early literacy research (pp. 11-29). Guilford Press.