Here are some fun things you can do with your children to encourage them to read more:

Ask your librarian to recommend high-interest books. Today, there are books that should appeal to almost every child. Kids who enjoy a scary story may find that they can’t put down the latest Goosebumps books. Those who like stories about people their age may enjoy The Babysitters’ Club. These books are a great way to get your child interested in reading.

Go on a library scavenger hunt. The next time you’re in the library, make up a list of questions that require your child to use different reference books. Make these fun: the batting average of his favorite baseball player, the average temperature at Disney World. When he finds the answers, give him a small reward.

Keep track of how many books your child reads. Place a sticker on a chart for each book your child completes. Or encourage her to make a paper chain—one link for each book. Can she make a chain long enough to stretch around her entire room? The whole house?

Look for audiobooks. There are wonderful recordings of favorite books; many may be available in your public library. Sometimes just hearing the words to a book can encourage a child to go back and read it later.

Read aloud. It’s one of the most traditional ways to get children to read—but it works. Choose a book you enjoy, set aside 15 minutes for reading, and invite your child to snuggle up with you.

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