How Do I Fit More Reading into My Day?

How Do I Fit More Reading into My Day?

Here are nine practical ideas to weave more reading into your family’s busy schedule and unique homeschooling style:

1. Use Books of Various Lengths

Choose longer books for audiobooks to enjoy during car rides, chores, or downtime. For reading aloud, choose shorter books geared toward younger listeners, especially when reading to a mixed-age group or when time is tight.

2. Assign Independent Reading

Encourage your child to read independently. We often use independent reading in our home to calm the hyper or soothe the frustrated. Non-readers can enjoy this time by “reading” picture books and exploring illustrations.

3. Incorporate Quiet Time

If your family already has a quiet time, use it for reading! Set a timer for 30 minutes (or longer), and let your child relax with a favorite book and cozy blanket. Grab a book for yourself and model how enjoyable reading can be for all ages.

4. Sneak Reading into Existing Routines

Look at routines that work for your family and add reading. Could you read during bedtime, snack time, or mealtimes? Even a few minutes can make a big difference.

5. Leverage Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a fantastic way to save time and energy while incorporating more stories. Listen during car rides, art time, puzzle time, or even grumpy mealtimes. Audiobooks make it easy to enjoy books while keeping hands and minds busy.

6. Keep Busy Hands Engaged

Let kids stay active while listening to a read-aloud or audiobook. Activities like puzzles, STEM kits, coloring, or building with blocks can help kinesthetic learners stay focused. Saving activities like these for reading time can turn it into a much-anticipated part of the day.

7. Encourage Sibling Reading

Older siblings can read to younger ones as part of their lessons, improving fluency while creating meaningful one-on-one time.

8. Establish a Library Routine

Make library visits part of your family’s schedule. Find what works for you and enjoy hours of discovering new books together!

By incorporating even a few of these strategies, you can create a home where reading is doable and a part of your family’s daily rhythm. Happy reading!