Here’s how you teach your kid the value of books. Reading with them might not be enough. Let me tell you what I did.
I took the boys to the Brooklyn Museum Children’s Book Fair for a book adventure because we value reading.
At this wonderful event, they went on a scavenger hunt which made them talk to 20+ authors and illustrators about their books. We sat in an illustrator’s presentation about drawing animals. We listened to an author’s reading of her book with an interactive activity after.
There were books for all ages to choose from. They also had stations to make your own bookmarks and coloring pages for the younger kids.
Potato chose two books and one for his little brother. The authors and illustrators signed them with a note and a drawing of course. Potato realizing that the person who wrote the book and drew the pictures was right in front of him was priceless. If you don’t know, the value of a black boy liking to read is also priceless. These are the motherhood moments I love.
We left with:
- The Adventures of Team POM The Last Dodo by Isabel Roxas
- Meet the Megafauna! By Gabrielle Balkan Illustrated by Quang and Lien
- And Then Came HOPE by Stephen Savage
This was a fun way to encourage Potato to read.
Here’s How You Teach Your Kid to Value Books
Kids value books when you read with them
Start reading to them as soon as possible. The earlier the better. We started reading books to Potato before he went to bed when he was at least 1 year old. It started a pattern of books and bedtime we’re associated with each other. It also started him on the path to knowing that reading was fun.
We started with books that were the same characters as the shows he watched or the toys he owned. This landed us with lots of “Blaze and the Monster Machine” and “Thomas and Friends” books. Then eventually expanded to other topics such as books about the planets or animals.
I even read with funny voices or enthusiasm to really get them into the story. It always takes their interest to a new level.
Reading books constantly to build consistency
Reading to them is not only how you get them to value books. It’s reading to them constantly. Building a consistent habit of reading to them will naturally help them grow a love for books.
If you decide you will read with your child before bed, then make sure you do it every night. Try not to skip too many nights so they don’t fall off the habit. We all know setting routines is super beneficial for kids. Reading books is no different.
Another tip, leave books in random places so you can always read with them. This includes leaving them in the car, in a usual travel bag or even leaving a few at the grandparent’s house. Then you’re never without a book.
Adventure reading and book events
A cool way to teach your kid to value books is by taking them outside of the home to read or have books read to them. Our trip to the Brooklyn Museum for a book event was a great example of how to instill the value of reading in the boys. It wasn’t your typical book reading at the local library.
Look for fun events that take reading right off the pages for your kid. The local library reading can be fun for the smaller kids, like toddlers. A book event can expand a young kid’s imagination. Potato left the museum event excited to read books that he never knew existed but sounded cool. His interest became greater when he met the author and illustrators.
Reading books a little differently can make a difference.
ProTip: Your kid will value books if they see you reading. Pick up a book yourself and show them that it’s something you enjoy and they will enjoy it too.
Happy reading!
-From Kiki With Love💛
