Set Reading Routines For Reading To Kids

Setting a reading routine is important, especially for younger children. The time and place you choose should be the ones that work best for your family, even if it is in the morning before school. Childrens literature is made to be read easily, so you can fit in a few minutes of reading any time.

Making Your Reading Schedule
When you are setting up your reading time, make sure that you ask your child which times he prefers to read. Right after school, or right after homework, can be overkill for a tired child. Reading children’s literature with your child should be something that you both look forward to, rather than a chore to be completed quickly.

You can also plan to read during the time you spend waiting for appointments. It is a good idea to keep several books in the car, which are only used for “waiting”. These new books will keep your child occupied while you wait, and will help boost their interest in reading children’s literature.

Be Flexible
Reading children’s literature should be fun. If there are days when either you or your child are sick, or just don’t feel like reading out loud, then don’t. You can spend a few minutes reading quietly together, or you can have an emerging reader enjoy a picture book without your help.

It is important, however, that you jump back into your reading routine the next day. Making reading a priority for your child means that it should also be a priority for you, so remember not to let your days get too busy to have time to read.

Make Reading Fun
Your child will be more willing to stick to a reading routine if he or she knows that reading time is time for fun. You can choose books that allow each of you to take turns reading, and be sure to animate your voice when it is your turn. Small children especially love to see you act silly when the book calls for it, so let your creative side take over when you read.

You can also let your child choose the children’s literature that you read. Many small children love hearing the same stories over and over, but that does not mean that they won’t be willing to hear a new story, as well. You can schedule a few extra minutes in your reading routine to include a new story, and then read your child’s favorite book afterwards.

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