We are really lucky that our kids have all inherited my love of reading. I know this. I embrace it and encourage it. I also know that for many kids, reading under the covers (or anywhere, for that matter, isn’t appealing at all. For those kids, and those who like to read under the covers, here are some FUN ways to encourage them to crack open the books….or magazines. Reading is reading, after all.
1. Ambiance
Create a fun place to be under the covers. Build a fort. Trust me, it’ll start to jolt your memory of building forts when you were a kid as you teach the kids to make their own!
Of course, sometimes you build the most epic fort ever and the cat jumps on top of it and mayhem ensues. But you can still have the couch!
2. Interest
Just because YOU think a book was great doesn’t mean your kids will agree. (I’ve had that happen here, sadly). Think about what interests your kids and find them things to read that they can relate to and show interest in.
My son loves facts, trivia, math and science. He can spend a full 2 hours reading an encyclopedia. Would I ever do that? Probably not… but he loves it. He’s been really into money lately and we found some fun books about money facts, and the history of money. He was ecstatic.
3. Do it. Like Nike says- Just Do It! If your kids see you reading- chances are, they’ll be more likely to pick up a book themselves. Lead by example. If they see you enjoying it, they’ll want to try…
Tomorrow night, turn off the TV and tablets. Turn on the flashlights, snuggle up, and read some books under the covers. Or above them. Make it fun!
EVEREADY® and Scholastic want to help shine a light on reading in the dark! Keep kids excited about reading year round with fun promotions and lots of great resources available on Reading in the Dark… printable activities, book lists, tips for raising a reader and a free Scholastic book offer with purchase.
Are you in or near NYC? If you are, you are invited to visit the Scholastic Store in NYC on October 18th for the Pajama Jam event! Not in the Big Apple? You can download the free Pajama Jam Reading Party Toolkit and party at home like we did.
Scholastic and EVEREADY® are teaming up to help parents shine a light on reading, even in the dark! EVEREADY®’s high quality batteries and flashlights are reliable and affordable and can be purchased at Dollar General or Target.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of EVEREADY®. The opinions and text are all mine.
Liz Mays says
I love your tip on interest. When my daughter was young, I took her to the children’s section of the library and just let her roam. She picked some books that I thought were ridiculous, but she loved them.
Dawn says
Forts are the best for getting kids excited about anything. I don’t know what it is about chairs and a sheet, but kids love it.
Amy D says
It would be ideal that my kids eventually do this as well. My girls are just starting to read now.
Stacie says
These are great tips! With three little readers of my own, I do everything I can to encourage them to read, read, read!