Since at-home learning started has it been difficult for you to keep your children on a reading schedule? If social media posts and memes from parents are any indication, you’re in good company. It’s hard enough to get some children to pick up a book when school’s in session. Anxiety and disrupted schedules may now make it seem nearly impossible. If convincing your little one to read feels like making him eat vegetables, try some of the suggestions listed below:
Try New Book Genres –Kids may not like to read because they aren’t interested in, or don’t feel connected to, assigned books. Allow them to try out different genres or styles than they normally read (biographies, graphic novels, poetry, historical fiction, etc.) to see what sparks their interest.Â
Have a Family Reading Hour – Lack of time may be less of an excuse to bow out of reading aloud with our children now that many of us are sheltering at home and aren’t doing daily commutes. Use some of those extra minutes to read and discuss books with the kids, who generally find storytime more enjoyable when cuddled with parents.Â
Host a Zoom Book Club – Book clubs are great ways for kids to connect with friends and talk about their favorite reads. Choose a common book selection and come up with, or download, fun discussion questions or quizzes to use as talking points. Kids can also complete coloring pages, activity sheets, or crafts that go along with the story during book club that many authors provide for free on their websites. Make it even more enjoyable by letting members snack on yummy treats at the book club meeting.
Visit a Virtual Story Time – Authors who have had to cancel live book tours are now offering virtual storytimes, and celebrities like Dolly Parton and Michelle Obama are also doing online book readings for children. Check on your favorite author’s social media page and/or website to find out if and when they might be doing a virtual reading.Â
Check Out Your Library Online – Public library doors are shut right now, but online options remain open to the community. Look for children’s ebooks and audiobooks to download and free movies and music to stream. Libraries are holding online story times and reading-based activities as well.
Support Independent Booksellers – These community centers have shifted to become online neighborhood hangouts, offering regularly scheduled programming like author visits, story times, and free talks and classes, virtually. Most provide online ordering with discounted shipping and curbside pickup.
Review Favorite Books Online and Tag Favorite Authors – Now’s a great time for children to connect with their favorite authors, who miss contact with readers from cancelled book events. Help your child post reviews of their favorite books on social media or post pictures or videos of them reading the book, and your favorite author may just comment on the post or message you back.Â
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Amazon Best Selling, Readers’ Favorite “Five Star†rated Sophie Washington children’s book series, geared toward readers ages 8-12 and is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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