Books, books, everywhere! Tips for how to spark excitement for reading with your children

There are two holidays that occur in April that are truly worth celebrating, National Library Week (April 4-10) and Children’s Book Day (April 2). These two observances promote childhood reading and literacy, both of which are important for school readiness.

Parents can celebrate these two holidays not only on the days that they are observed, but throughout the whole year. Reading to and with your children can open new worlds, adventures, and connections between you and your children, all of which are important to healthy development.

Some children do not seem interested in reading but there are some easy ways to engage them:

First, let them choose the book. Even young children can have favorite books. One that we at The Parenting Center hear a lot about is “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?”

Second, do not force your child to engage with reading. Let your child lead the activity. That can look like getting through one page before moving on to something else or having to read the same story over and over again. Remember, repetition is how children learn!

Next, sing parts of the book or use different voices. Children really do enjoy singing and when things sound funny.

Finally, build this activity into your daily routine. Read a book as part of their bedtime routine or when they first get up to help ease into the day. If you are trying to teach your little one about a skill like potty training, read a book about potty training during potty time.

Story time is a fun and interactive activity that can engage so many parts of a child, their imagination, sense of hearing, and even connection with you. We hope that you can take these tips, find a great book, and celebrate two April observances that promote so much more than the ability to read.

Monet Somerville, MS
Parent Educator
Monet received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology from North Carolina Wesleyan College. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Child and Adolescent Development from Capella University. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology with a Concentration in Child and Adolescent Development. Monet is also a licensed Trust Based Relational Intervention Practitioner.

Prior to working to The Parenting Center, Monet worked as a Case Manager in a residential facility for adolescent girls who were in foster care but were unable to be placed in a foster home. She also taught foster parents about child development and the impacts that positive parenting can make on a child.