Blog Posts

How Do I Make Reading Feel Fun?

By Lauren Ullman

Making reading feel fun starts with shifting focus from how much your child reads to how they experience reading. When children have opportunities to choose books, explore their interests, and enjoy stories without pressure, reading can become something they look forward to rather than another task to complete.  

That can be especially important when reading is already part of a child’s schoolwork or daily routine. While building reading skills takes practice, not every reading experience needs to be measured by minutes or followed by questions. 

A few small changes to your family’s reading routine can make a big difference in how your child approaches books. So, how can you encourage your child to read without making it feel like another chore? 

Create Moments Around Books  

Instead of always saying, “Go read for 20 minutes,” make reading feel like an experience. 

Build a blanket fort and bring books inside. Read outside on a nice day. Use silly voices for different characters or take turns reading aloud. 

These moments don’t have to be elaborate. The goal is simply to help your child associate books with fun, comfort and time together. 

Let Your Child Choose  

Giving children a say in what they read is one of the easiest ways to make reading more enjoyable. 

Let your child choose the book. Even if it’s a comic book, a book about an unexpected topic or the same favorite story you’ve already read a hundred times, make room for choice. 

Following their own interests gives children another reason to want to pick up a book. 

Take Some Pressure Off  

It can be tempting to stop frequently and ask questions to make sure your child understands what they’re reading. But too many questions can quickly make reading feel like a quiz. 

Instead, keep the conversation natural. Try asking, “What was your favorite part?” or talk about a funny, surprising, or interesting moment. 

And sometimes, you don’t need to ask anything at all. It’s okay to simply enjoy the story together. 

Follow Their Interests 

Think about what your child already loves. Dinosaurs? Sports? Animals? Space? Jokes? 

There’s probably something to read about it. 

Graphic novels, magazines, nonfiction, joke books and other reading materials can all help children discover that reading connects to the things they care about. A child who says they “don’t like reading” may simply not have found what they love to read yet. 

Make Reading Something You Share  

Children notice what the adults around them do. When they see you reading, and when books are part of everyday family life, they learn that reading isn’t just a school assignment. 

Visit the library together. Talk about something interesting you read. Sit together with your own books. Most importantly, look for opportunities to enjoy reading with your child, not just tell them to read. 

Remember: Joy Matters 

There will be times when children need to practice reading or complete assignments for school. But not every reading moment has to be measured, corrected or turned into a lesson. 

Making room for reading simply because it’s funny, exciting, interesting or comforting can help children build a positive relationship with books. 

So, grab a favorite book, find a cozy spot, use the silly voices, and let reading be fun.