As you know, reading is essential for learning and lifelong learning is required where we live. Right?
So let’s learn some ways we can encourage our kids to be lifelong learners!

If you need recommendations personalized to you and your family, please reach out. I’m full of ideas! Also, I ask a question at the end if you make it that far. 

Tips for the week and how I implement them in my home:
1- Plan a reading time each day- read aloud as a family, routinely.
My kids are getting older and they care less each day about reading out loud, together. But we still work it in. Dad reads them a short story or a chapter from a longer book at bed time. I prefer to pick books to read along with them. Then we can discuss our thoughts throughout the week. Right now we are reading “The Unwanteds” by Lisa McMann.

2- Make an activity in real life that relates to the book you are reading. My kids are really into clay making, so we have been making clay figures about the topic of the month (Jungle right now). So as I read or teach, they create with clay. It’s been fun seeing all of their creations showing up around the house.

3- Update bookshelves when they size up in clothes. Even as my kids get older, I still do this. But it’s especially important when they are in the baby-preteen stage! A lot of kids lose interest in reading (AKA learning) because they have the same selection for years at a time. Keep it fresh, up to date and…

…4- Choose book titles on subjects that interest them. Let them choose! Remember libraries have titles in ALL themes, interests and ages. You don’t have to break the bank to get new books. If they find one they attach to, buy the series to keep at home. That’s how we do it. We test run at the library each month, then purchase the books that hold their interest that I know they will read again and again.

And finally- 5- Model reading to them by reading a book yourself. This could possibly be the hardest tip of the week! It’s also one of the most influential things you can do to encourage reading/learning and leveling up in your home. Right now, aside from reading The Unwanteds with them, I’m reading a book called “The Girl Who Was Taken” by Charlie Donlea. It’s a real page turner!

Do you have a current read for yourself? Would you be interested if I set up a Mom’s Book Club where we read alongside each other and discuss online?

Talk soon,
L