How To Make Reading Fun: 5 Easy Tips

Reading is the gift that keeps on giving. When children start reading, they begin with picture books and storybooks. As they age, reading becomes more about work and school books, and many children lose interest. If undetected reading difficulties compound this, reaching the reading stage for pleasure becomes nearly impossible.

A strong reading habit in childhood supports social and cognitive development and sets up children to become effective learners in the long run.

The most satisfying of all childhood activities is storytime. Whether parents or grandparents read aloud or children read independently, stories help children learn through context and imagination. With concepts and plotlines that are easy to understand and applicable to real-life scenarios, reading offers numerous benefits:

Before children formally learn to read, they naturally mimic adults. Encouraging and enabling this behavior sets them up for future reading success.

Songs, nursery rhymes, and even jingles on TV or radio can help children understand how different words sound and the symbols/letters associated with them. Sound manipulation games can be an effective tool in assisting children to grasp how letters and symbols work together to form language.

Children frequently see images and symbols on packaging, books, and everyday objects. Recognizing these visual cues is an early sign that they may be ready to learn reading.

Tip: Read aloud to your child often and provide them with auditory and visual associations related to things and situations they encounter daily.

Contrary to popular belief, letters don’t need to be taught in a specific order. Instead, focus on helping your child associate symbols with sounds and demonstrate how these can be manipulated to create words and sentences.

Start slow and be patient—learning to read is a two-step process:

When introducing words, apply the same philosophy as letters: take it slow and don’t rush the process. Begin with simple 2-3 letter words and help the child understand each sound. Initially, use words where letters make "regular" sounds before introducing more complex variations.

Soon, your child will be ready to learn words that may not always appear in books but are used in everyday life. Examples include: "yes," "no," "here," and "there." You can also introduce words by associating sounds with images of simple objects.

English reading for kids can be an engaging activity if taught correctly. If your child is struggling with reading, consider structured programs like the Nardagani reading program, developed by Narda Pitkethly. This online reading program uses 12 symbols to simplify reading and make it an interactive experience for kids.

Remember that patience and consistency are key regardless of which method you choose. Give your child the space and encouragement they need, allowing them to develop at their own pace.