6 Simple Ways to Make Reading a Daily Routine
A daily reading routine starts with one thing: making books feel like a treat, not a task. From letting kids pick their stories to turning family reading time into a shared adventure, these tips help build habits that last.
1. Anchor it to a transition moment
The easiest way to start a new habit is to combine it with an old one. Try placing reading time before or after a specific daily event, like finishing their afternoon snack or immediately after they brush their teeth. It stops being a separate task and starts being the natural next step of the day.
2. Create a space for reading
Setting the scene can make a world of difference - sometimes, all a child needs to get excited about a book is a special spot to dive into it. You don’t need anything fancy. A few floor pillows, a blanket fort, or a dedicated reading chair can work wonders. By making the space feel like a treat, reading becomes something they look forward to.
Parents suggest:
Dimming the lights, snuggling up with a favourite book and letting children choose the story (whether it’s a picture book or a chapter from a longer series) creates a magical ritual.
To include reading in a family routine, create a dedicated, visible reading space with accessible books and schedule a consistent time each day for reading, such as before bed or after a meal.
3. Start small and build
When you’re busy, the thought of a long reading session can feel overwhelming for both you and your child. But if you keep the reading goal achievable and aim for just 15 minutes of reading time, it suddenly seems much more manageable. Most of the time, once they start, they won’t want to stop!
Parents suggest:
Try to get them to start reading a page a day. Thinking about what’s going to happen in the next page. Leaving your children minds wondering & imagining.
Bedtime stories are a classic daily ritual – 10 to 15 minutes of reading aloud to younger children helps them wind down and associate books with comfort.
4. Let them choose the book
A routine will only stick if the child enjoys it. Let them choose the book, even if it’s the same one you’ve read every night for a week. When children feel in control and can make the routine enjoyable and meaningful for them, they’re more likely to get on board.
Parents suggest:
Let them pick their own books. Even if it’s silly or simple. Choice builds excitement and confidence.
Make sure it’s a book they pick themselves and better yet if it’s a series of books, they'll want to stay reading them.
Parents can give them freedom to pick the book even if it’s the same one. Familiarity builds confidence and parents can make it interactive, asking questions, act out scenes or relate stories to their own lives. This turns reading into connection.
