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Five ways to make reading fun this summer

This year marks the thirteenth year of our partnership with the National Literacy Trust for our award-winning Young Readers Programme initiative, which aims to encourage children to read outside of the classroom.

To help parents inspire a love of reading, we’ve worked with the National Literacy Trust to share five top tips on how to make reading fun and encourage more little ones to pick up a book during the holidays:

1. Bring stories to life

Whether you’re roaring like a lion or giggling like a goblin, reading aloud using different character voices and mannerisms is a great way to dial up the fun at story time and bring the characters to life. You can even get your little one to join in with some of the voices and sounds with you to really immerse them in the fictional world. Mixing it up with an audiobook from time to time is also a fantastic way to experience lively storytelling with your child.

2. Give the gift of choice

Giving your child a choice of what they want to read will help them to understand that reading is not only important in school, but can be for their enjoyment at home too! Spark reading excitement by treating your little one to a trip to WHSmith or Waterstones to pick out their next read for themselves.

3. Make time and create space

Part of the fun of reading for adults and children alike is getting lost in the pages and immersed in a new world. To ensure your child can enjoy their adventure to the fullest, find a relaxing spot to read together and do your best to limit distractions such as placing your mobile phone on silent and turning off the TV. You can even get creative and build a cosy reading nook together with soft rugs, cushions, and cosy lighting from M&S and Next.

4. Do it together

We know life can be busy – especially for parents and guardians! But making just 10 minutes in your day to read with your child can make an enormous difference to their motivation and attitude towards reading. Whether they’re just discovering picture books or reading independently, sharing stories will give you a chance to spend valuable time together, relax and bond over things you find interesting.

5. Read by example

Parents are their child’s first role models, so if you like reading, telling, or listening to stories, there is a likely chance your child will too. Let them take a leaf out of your book and show them how fun reading can be by getting the whole family involved and encouraging them to read with siblings, grandparents and friends.

To find out more about National Literacy Trust and its Young Readers Programme, visit: Young Readers Programme | National Literacy Trust

And find more helpful advice on how to get your child reading this summer, here:

• Book Chat: How to Talk Your Child into a Love of Reading
• Summer Stories: 20 Top Books to Inspire Children to Read During the Holidays

Last updated Monday 5 August, 2024