Let’s be honest…between endless scrolling, 30-second reels, and quick-click content, attention spans today aren’t what they used to be. Our kids are growing up in a world of instant everything, where swiping left is second nature. That’s exactly why nurturing a love for reading and improving children’s reading skills is more important now than ever before.
Reading gives children what algorithms can’t. It allows them to slow down, focus, and think critically. Between the pages of a book, children explore diverse worlds, build vocabulary, and spark their imagination. As Dr. Seuss said, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
Incorporating strong early literacy strategies at home and in the classroom supports holistic child development. Research shows that reading regularly helps children:
In fact, just 20 minutes of daily reading can expose a child to nearly 2 million words a year, a crucial step in reading skills development and long-term academic success.
This small but powerful habit supercharges vocabulary, strengthens listening skills, and builds emotional bonds. For younger learners, this is one of the most effective reading development strategies in early grades.
Incorporate expression, sound effects, and cuddles, whether it’s The Gruffalo or Goodnight Moon, to make reading time magical.
Pro Tip: Anchor reading time to a routine like bedtime, post-bath, or right after brushing teeth. Think of it as your family’s very own “story o’clock.”
Babies may not understand words, but they respond to tone, rhythm, and eye contact. This lays the foundation for early literacy and emotional connection.
But don’t stop once children begin reading on their own. Ongoing interactive reading sessions in schools and at home deepen comprehension and create safe spaces to discuss feelings, questions, and ideas.
Is your child into dinosaurs? Space? Baking? Let them choose what they love whether it’s comics, fact books, even graphic novels. Personal choice is key to how to nurture a love for reading in kids.
Expose children to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, folk tales, and more. Diverse genres develop imagination and cognitive flexibility- key components of holistic child development.
Ask “What do you think will happen next?” or try the “See, Think, Wonder” routine. These engaging conversation starters are not only fun but also excellent strategies to improve vocabulary and imagination.
It doesn’t have to be fancy. A soft corner, warm lighting, and a stack of books can become a peaceful escape. This kind of engaging classroom activity or home setup invites calm and focus.
When children see adults reading, they absorb a powerful message: reading is valuable, enjoyable, and for everyone. Share what you’re reading too, whether it’s a novel, the newspaper, or even a recipe. Children mimic what they see. This modelling also shows how to build vocabulary in primary school students through real-life habits.
Library visits can be turned into mini-explorations. Let your child pick out books and discover new genres. Many top primary schools in Pune organise book weeks or library scavenger hunts to make this even more exciting.
If your child resists reading one day, it’s okay to pause. Reading should feel like a gift, not a chore. Focus on connection over completion. Positive associations make all the difference in ways to make reading enjoyable for children.
Whether your child finishes a book, learns five new words, or reads aloud with confidence; acknowledge the achievement. Encourage them with praise, homemade bookmarks, or a trip to the bookstore. Small celebrations lead to lasting motivation.
At leading international schools in Pune like Universal Wisdom School, teachers integrate reading across subjects through imaginative storytelling in primary classrooms and vocabulary enrichment activities for students. This balanced approach combines curriculum with curiosity- preparing students to thrive in a fast-changing world.
Educators also play a key role in vocabulary building by using engaging read-alouds, word games, and scaffolded discussions as part of modern classroom learning methods.
In a fast-paced, dopamine-driven world, books offer our children the rare gift of stillness, imagination, and deep focus. Whether through fun reading activities for Class 1 to 5 or through bedtime stories at home, nurturing a reading habit is one of the most valuable gifts we can give.
Because when children read (really read), they don’t just learn more, they become more.
