Getting our children interested in reading… An achievable goal!

Choose the right book

The right book is a book that will amaze, fascinate or move them.

Here are a few questions to learn about their interests:

• What kind of narrative world do you prefer? (characters, locations, era, actions, real or invented worlds, themes, etc.)
• What writing style do you enjoy? (humourous, dramatic, poetic, popular, etc.)
• Who is currently your favourite literary character?
• If you were to write a book, what would it be about?
• Do you want to learn more about your favourite artist, or a country you’d like to visit?

Careful! A book that is too hard to read has a good chance of staying closed or not providing as much fun as we expected!

Follow the trends (a safe bet!)

• Take a look at the most popular authors and books, and the current best-sellers.
• Check if these books are available at your local library

Encourage them to read aloud

• Ask questions
• Do different voices for the various characters
• Ask them to summarize
• Comment and speak about the characters (book title, subject, roles of the characters, their personalities, locations, description of the main character, etc.)

Schedule family reading moments

• Predetermined moments to read
• Cozy mood (lighting, blankets, cushions, etc.)
• Screens turned off
• Varied reading choice (books, magazines, etc.)
• Design an area just for reading

Visit libraries and bookstores

Why not make it a family activity?

Do not underestimate the power of just being in contact with books. The book cover, the weight of the book, and even the smell can make you want to read something!

Did you know? Reading has many benefits!

In addition to just being fun, it can help:

• communicate and share ideas
• stay informed
• understand instructions
• activate the imagination
• develop patience and the ability to focus
• commit things to memory (writings stay)
• gather knowledge
• develop the ability to think