5 Fun and Simple Ways to Build Your Child’s Love for Reading at Home

As parents, we all want our children to develop a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. Reading opens doors to endless worlds of adventure, builds knowledge, and sets up children for success in nearly every area of life. If your child is just starting their reading journey, now is the perfect time to create positive reading experiences that will make them excited to open a book.

To help you, here are five fun and simple ways to build a love for reading at home. These ideas are easy to implement and designed to make reading feel like a joyful, natural part of your child’s day.

1. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

Creating a dedicated reading space makes reading feel special. Set up a cozy nook in a corner of their room or even in the living room. All you need are a few blankets, pillows, and maybe some fairy lights to make it feel like a magical hideaway. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just somewhere they can snuggle up with a book and feel comfortable.

How to Get Started:

• Let your child help set up the nook with blankets, their favorite stuffed animals, or anything they find comforting.

• Keep a few books within reach so they always have options on hand. A small basket or bookshelf nearby can work perfectly.

• Use a soft lamp or a string of lights to make it feel special and inviting.

Why It Works:
Children love spaces that feel “just for them,” and a reading nook can become their little retreat. Making the space special also sends the message that reading is a valued and enjoyable activity.

2. Let Them Choose the Book

While it’s tempting to pick out the “right” book or an educational classic, letting your child choose their own books can make a huge difference. They’re more likely to get excited about reading something they picked themselves, even if it’s a comic book or a picture-heavy story.

How to Get Started:

• When you go to the library or bookstore, let them explore and select what interests them. Set some boundaries if needed (like age-appropriate sections), but otherwise, give them free rein.

• If they want to read the same book over and over, embrace it! Re-reading can reinforce vocabulary and improve comprehension skills.

Why It Works:
Allowing them to choose gives them a sense of independence and ownership over their reading experience. When they feel in control, they’re more likely to engage with the story.

3. Incorporate Story Time into Your Daily Routine

Making reading a daily routine can make it feel as natural as brushing their teeth. By dedicating even just 10-15 minutes a day to reading together, you’re creating a consistent habit they’ll look forward to. A bedtime story is a classic choice, but any time that works for your family’s schedule is perfect.

How to Get Started:

• If bedtime doesn’t work, consider story time after dinner or before afternoon play.

• Invite your child to read with you. If they’re just starting out, they can follow along or help you with simple words.

Why It Works:
Routine is comforting for kids. When reading is built into their day, it becomes a natural part of life instead of something “extra.”

4. Use Fun Voices and Get Creative

Adding some fun by using different voices for characters can make reading come alive for your child. Try using silly accents, changing your pitch, or even adding in sound effects as you read. It may feel a little silly at first, but kids love it—and they’ll likely want to join in.

How to Get Started:

• Pick a book with distinct characters to give each their own voice. Use a high-pitched voice for a small character, a deep voice for a bigger character, and so on.

• Invite your child to read aloud, too, and encourage them to try out voices. This practice also helps them focus on different characters and plot details.

Why It Works:
When you bring the story to life, it becomes a shared experience that’s much more engaging. Plus, kids love imaginative play, and this approach blends storytelling with make-believe.

5. Make Reading Hands-On with Props or Crafts

Some kids connect with stories more when they have something tangible to interact with. Adding props or crafts related to the book can make the experience more interactive and memorable. You don’t need anything elaborate—even something as simple as a flashlight for a “bedtime campfire story” can make reading feel like an adventure.

How to Get Started:

• Choose simple props based on the book. Reading a book about animals? Let them bring a few animal toys to the reading nook.

• After reading, do a small craft together, like drawing a favorite scene or making a paper character from the story.

Why It Works:
When they get to use their hands and imagination, the story becomes more vivid and memorable. This approach helps visual and kinesthetic learners engage more deeply with reading.

Building a love for reading doesn’t have to involve long, structured sessions. It’s all about making reading a special, fun part of your child’s day. These little changes are easy to implement and can make a big difference. The most important thing is to keep it lighthearted and enjoyable. Over time, these moments of shared reading can help lay the foundation for a lifelong love of books!