Reading is a crucial skill that can have a significant impact on a child’s academic and personal growth. From the perspective of a teacher, reading greatly influences and also affects a child’s progress and attitude toward learning. I mean, point out any other subject that has no connection to reading. Even the so-called number subjects can be effectively dealt with when they have an interest in reading. More so, the skill to read itself can serve as motivation for a child who finds reading fun. However, motivating children to read can sometimes be a challenging task. The rise in different distractions, mostly technology-based, has proven to be a big hindrance to the progress of a child’s learning, not just reading. But before we dive into the strategies to effectively motivate our kids to read, there is something very important I would like to discuss.

Sound over reading rules

Teaching a child to read by choking down a set of spelling and reading rules can be a bit difficult. Using sound instead of rules in teaching a child to read is a phonics-based approach to reading. It focuses on teaching children to recognize and associate the sounds of letters and letter combinations with their corresponding written symbols. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the sound-symbol relationship in reading, rather than relying solely on the memorization of word shapes or spelling rules.

By using a sound-based approach, children learn to read by sounding out words and blending the sounds of individual letters and letter combinations. For example, instead of memorizing that the word “cat” is spelt with a “c,” “a,” and “t,” a child would learn to recognize the individual sounds of each letter (“k,” “a,” and “t”) and blend them to read the word.

The sound-based approach is often considered more effective for beginning readers. This is because it focuses on the most basic element of reading; the sounds of individual letters and how they combine to form words. By teaching children to recognize and manipulate these sounds, they can develop stronger reading skills and better understand the structure of written language.

Additionally, the sound-based approach is often more engaging and interactive for children, as it encourages them to use their listening and speaking skills in addition to their reading skills. This can help children develop a more well-rounded understanding of language and improve their overall communication abilities.

Here are some effective strategies to motivate kids to read:

1. Make reading fun

One of the main reasons why children may not be interested in reading is that they view it as a chore. To make reading more enjoyable, consider introducing them to a wide range of reading materials, such as comic books, graphic novels, and picture books. Additionally, reading aloud to your child can be a fun and interactive experience.

2. Set an example

Children often look up to their parents and emulate their behaviours. Therefore, parents can motivate their children to read by setting an example themselves. When children see their parents reading, they are more likely to view reading as a desirable activity.

3. Create a reading-friendly environment

The environment in which children read can significantly impact their motivation to read. Ensure that your child has a comfortable reading space, with ample light and minimal distractions.

4. Allow freedom of choice

Giving children the freedom to choose what they read can be a powerful motivator. Consider taking your child to the library or bookstore and allowing them to select their books. This will give them a sense of ownership and increase their motivation to read.

5. Incorporate technology

Although technology can be a distraction, it can also be an effective tool to motivate children to read. There are many apps and websites available that offer interactive reading experiences, such as e-books, audiobooks, and reading games.

6. Set achievable goals

Setting achievable reading goals can be an effective motivator. Encourage your child to set goals for the number of books they would like to read in a month or a year and reward them for their achievements.

7. Make reading a social activity

Reading can be a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be. Encourage your child to join a book club or start one with their friends. This will allow them to discuss and share their thoughts on books they have read and motivate them to read more.

In conclusion, motivating children to read requires effort and patience, but it is a valuable investment in their future. By making reading fun, setting an example, creating a reading-friendly environment, allowing freedom of choice, incorporating technology, setting achievable goals, and making reading a social activity, parents can inspire a love of reading in their children that will last a lifetime.