How do I get my kid to become a reader?

“How do I get my kid to become a reader?” I was recently asked this question while on Twitter by a non-custodial single father who sees his 4-year-old during scheduled visits. On the surface, this is a daunting situation, especially if there is no reading support from the custodial parent. Underneath, there are several things that non-custodial parent can do…from a distance, that can make all the difference.

1. Model that you are a reader. Every time you see your child, make sure they see you reading. The Sunday paper is a great way to encourage reading. Sit and talk about the images, headlines, captions….and ESPECIALLY the comics! Your child will grow to love reading the comic section with you. You can also tear the comic section out of the daily newspaper for more reading materials.
2. Visit the library. Even if you aren’t able to send the books home with your child, it is important to visit the public library. Allow your child to make his or her own book selections. These are the books that you will read at bedtime.
3. Skype your way in between visits. For this, you will need cooperation from the custodial parent. Skype is a free Web 2.0 tool that you may use to have a video conversation with your child. You need a computer, internet access, and web cameras on both ends. Set a regular time for “Daddy Storytime.”
4. Purchase children’s magazine subscriptions. With the permission of the custodial parent, subscribe to a couple children’s magazines and have them sent directly to your child. Children love receiving mail and a magazine will provide days of reading and exploration. Speaking of mail…
5. Write letters to your child or send cards. Reading is reading no matter what form it takes. Reading personal letters from Dad would be a treat. Talk about your day or ask questions about your child’s week at school. In any case, letter writing/reading is an exciting and sneaky way to promote reading and writing.

Keisa Williams (aka Ms. K) is a K-5 School Librarian at Monarch Academy, a public charter school in Oakland, CA. She is certified in secondary and elementary education (MLIS and MEd) and loves collaborating with teachers and integrating technology into her library lessons. She considers herself a “Technology Diva” and “Gadget Junkie”.

2 Comments

• Mary Sayler says:

  September 9, 2010 at 8:07 am

  Keisa, thanks for your article. As a child surrounded by books and an adult who often took my kids to the library, I can attest that your suggestions do indeed work well.

  We’re all avid readers and a couple of us write professionally — mostly nonfiction, but fiction and poetry too. In fact, I still have my childhood copy of The Child’s Garden of Verse by Robert Louis Stevenson, which I now read to my young grandchildren, who also love bedtime stories, lively poems, and books, books, books.
• John Fong says:

  October 18, 2010 at 10:10 am

  I’m always looking for great new ways to get kids to read. I think your basic 5 steps are great ways to encourage life long readers. As a former teacher and educational game/toy developer. I think another great way to encourage reading is to make it into a game. A simple old fashion game like telephone where you use two cans, a string, and read to each other that way is great fun! If you have more great reading tips please send me a note.
  Thanks,
  John -