Creating a Love of Reading at Home

Every single student at Lucas Literacy Lab loves reading. That's because it’s not just a subject we teach; it’s the foundation of curiosity, empathy, and imagination. As both an educator and a mom, I know that helping children fall in love with reading begins long before formal lessons. It starts at home, in the rhythms of daily life, in the moments that connect stories to the heart.

Here are some simple, meaningful ways to nurture a love of reading at home:

1. Make Reading a Shared Experience

Children grow to love what they associate with warmth and connection. Read aloud together, not just bedtime stories, but poems at breakfast, riddles in the car, or a picture book on a lazy afternoon. Let your child see that reading is something to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Tip: Even if your child can read independently, don’t stop reading to them. Listening to rich language builds vocabulary, comprehension, and emotional connection.

2. Let Choice Lead the Way

Children are more motivated to read when they have a sense of agency. Offer a variety of books and let them pick, even if it’s the same one for the tenth time! Rereading builds fluency and confidence.

To make exploring new books fun, try a “Try a Chapter Challenge.” Each week, invite your child to read (or listen to) the first chapter of a few different books. If one grabs their attention, keep going! If not, set it aside guilt-free. The goal is to help children discover the kind of stories that speak to them.

Tip: Mix it up. Keep a basket of books by theme, interest, or season. At Lucas Literacy Lab, we rotate our library based on our unit studies, and it keeps students excited to explore new topics.

3. Create a Reading Ritual

Rituals anchor habits. Maybe it’s “family read time” every evening, or “Saturday stories” at the park. Consistency helps reading become part of your family culture, not a chore, but a cherished pause in the day.

Tip: Pair reading with comfort; a cozy blanket, a warm drink, or a special reading corner your child helps decorate.

4. Model What You Want to See

Children learn more from what we do than what we say. When they see you reading, whether it’s a novel, a recipe, or Scripture, it sends a powerful message: reading matters.

Tip: Talk about what you’re reading. Share what made you laugh, what surprised you, or what you learned. Let them see reading as a lifelong adventure, not just a childhood skill.

5. Connect Books to Real Life

Reading becomes more meaningful when stories come alive on the page. Visit a place mentioned in a book, cook a meal from a story, or act out a favorite scene together. When children see books as mirrors of their world and windows into others’, reading takes root in their hearts.

Tip: After reading, ask open-ended questions like, “What would you have done in that situation?” or “Why do you think the character felt that way?” These spark empathy and critical thinking.

At Lucas Literacy Lab, we believe reading is more than decoding words; it’s learning to see the world through different eyes. When children experience books as a source of joy and connection, they carry that love with them throughout their lives.

So the next time you open a book with your child, remember: it’s not just about teaching them to read, it’s about showing them why reading matters.

If you’d like personalized literacy support or book recommendations tailored to your child’s age and interests, please reach out to me at amanda@lucasliteracylab.com. I’d be happy to help your family create a reading routine that inspires lifelong learning.