What Is Motivation to Read?
A child showing interest in books and reading.
How Can I Teach This At Home?
Playing
1. Encourage children to go to their local library (public or school!) and look at books that they might be interested in.
2. Bring books to life through play! (e.g., Reading "The Three Little Pigs" and looking at pigs at a petting zoo!)
3. Create a special reading corner for children (as simple as a blanket fort!).
4. Set a time during the day to do activities independently.
5. Visit a museum or zoo and read the displays you see!
Reading
1. Read stories to your child about OTHERS who love to read!
2. Read books about books! This will help reinforce the idea of books to children and let them see that others enjoy reading too.
3. Read in front of your child and let them choose a book to read beside you. Even if they can't really read the book, you will set a good example for them by reading together!
Singing
1. Sing songs to your children about reading or going to the library, like this one featured on Sesame Street! Singing about going to the library or reading books will make the activity more exciting for children and they will look forward to it!
Talking
1. Talk to your children about books you read to enhance comprehension. (e.g., "What do you like about this book?", "What is your favorite book to read?")
2. Read with your child - even if they don't need help. Modeling
Writing
1. Keep a log of your child's favorite books. This way you can revisit them with ease.
2. Participate in 1000 Books Before Kindergarten and keep a record of all the books you read to/with your child!
Skills Checklist
Where Do I Start?
While we would encourage children to come to the library and choose their own books to better develop this skill, the following books are about others who show an interest in books and reading!
Amelia Bedelia's First Library Card by Call Number: EASY PARISHISBN: 9780062095121Publication Date: 2013
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by Call Number: EASY JOYCEISBN: 9781442457027Publication Date: 2012
Need More?
The catalog for the Waco-McLennan County Library is available here!
If you want to search for more resources in our catalog in this subject, we suggest you search for the following subject headings:
For more assistance with searching and locating items held by the Waco-McLennan County Library, use our Ask a Librarian feature available on our catalog website or stop in to one of our branches!
The Waco-McLennan County Library provides patrons with access to resources through our Electronic Resources page, which can be found here. Suggested databases are listed below:
Did You Know?
By the time children enter kindergarten, most will know the names of their favorite books, will be able to hold a book correctly and turn pages, and will be able to recall familiar words and phrases in the books!
Online Resources
There are many different online resources for early literacy - and we know it can be overwhelming. The following apps, blogs/newsletters, videos, and websites are some of the materials we would recommend to learn more about motivation to read!
APPS
1. Bob Books: Reading Magic #1
2. Homer
BLOGS/NEWSLETTERS
1. All About Learning Press: How to Motivate Your Child to Read
2. Edutopia: Motivating Students to Read
3. U.S. Department of Education: 5 Tips to Encourage Reading at Home
4. World Literacy Foundation: Using a Creative Approach to Motivate Children to Read
VIDEOS
