Jumpstart The School Year - 8 Fun Strategies To Build Early Reading Habits At Home

In my role as the Founder of ReadBright (a highly effective structured literacy program for beginning readers), I have seen firsthand how the right approach can help kids build strong reading skills with confidence and joy. Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or settling into the early elementary years, these eight engaging strategies can help you nurture a love for reading right at home.

Create a Cozy Reading Space

Environment matters. Kids are naturally drawn to spaces that feel special, inviting, and just for them. So one simple yet powerful way to encourage more reading at home is to set up a designated reading nook. This could be a small corner of their bedroom, a cozy spot in the living room, or even a tent made from blankets and pillows.

Add a small bookshelf or crate with age-appropriate books, soft lighting like a reading lamp or fairy lights, and a comfy chair or bean bag. Involving your child in designing the space gives them a sense of ownership and pride. When reading feels like a treat instead of a task, children are more likely to reach for a book on their own.

Make Reading Part of the Daily Routine

Consistency is key when building habits. Just like brushing teeth or getting dressed, reading should become part of the daily schedule. Set aside a specific time each day for reading, whether it’s a quiet 15 minutes before bedtime, after breakfast, or during a mid-afternoon break. You can vary the format: sometimes read aloud to your child, sometimes listen to audiobooks together, and at other times encourage your child to read independently or to you.

Even young children who aren’t yet fluent readers benefit greatly from hearing books read aloud and seeing adults model positive reading behaviors.

Start with Success: Use Decodable Readers for Beginners

Early readers thrive when they experience success, and one of the most effective ways to provide that success is through decodable readers. These carefully crafted books use only the phonics patterns students have already learned, giving them the tools to read independently from the very beginning. Instead of relying on pictures or guessing strategies, kids apply their decoding skills in real time. This builds confidence, reinforces instruction, and helps children see themselves as capable readers. When reading feels achievable, kids are far more likely to enjoy it (and keep coming back for more).

Incorporate Reading Into Everyday Activities

Reading doesn’t have to be limited to storybooks or school assignments. Words are all around us, and everyday moments provide opportunities for literacy growth. Encourage your child to read signs while driving, labels at the grocery store, instructions on a recipe, or even a shopping list. By weaving reading into regular activities, you show your child that reading is practical and valuable.

You also build vocabulary and comprehension in a natural and engaging way. This kind of informal reading helps solidify foundational skills while also keeping things fun and low-pressure.

Choose Books That Match Your Child’s Interests

Nothing kills enthusiasm for reading faster than being forced to read something dull or too difficult. Let your child help choose their own books based on what they love. Are they a big fan of dinosaurs, fairy tales, superheroes, or space? Visit your local library or bookstore together and explore the options. Graphic novels, comic books, joke books, and magazines count too! What matters most is that your child is engaging with words and enjoying the experience.

Interest-based reading builds intrinsic motivation, which is essential for developing long-term reading habits. If your child struggles to choose, ask a librarian or teacher for suggestions that align with their age, reading level, and interests.

Make Reading Interactive

Reading becomes more memorable and enjoyable when kids can engage with it in a hands-on way. There are many interactive techniques you can use, such as reading a story together and taking turns acting out scenes. Or, use different voices for different characters to bring the story to life. Also pause to ask questions, such as “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why did the character do that?” You can also encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the story and invite your child to come up with a different ending to a familiar book.

These engaging activities will help boost comprehension and keep your child actively involved in the reading process.

Celebrate Reading Achievements

Positive reinforcement goes a long way in establishing habits. So create a simple reading chart or journal where your child can track the number of books or minutes read each day. Celebrate milestones with small rewards, such as a trip to the library, a new book, or a special reading-themed outing. You can even start a “Reading Star” board at home to recognize your child’s efforts.

Celebrate not only the quantity of reading, but also things like trying a new genre, finishing a challenging book, or reading aloud to a sibling. When reading is associated with praise and accomplishment, children are more likely to stick with it.

Model the Joy of Reading

One of the most powerful ways to encourage reading is to let your child see you reading too. Children are great imitators, and when they observe adults enjoying books, newspapers, or magazines, they learn that reading is a normal and pleasurable part of everyday life. You can even talk to your child about what you're reading, share interesting passages, or set aside “family reading time” where everyone reads their own book quietly together. This models reading as both a skill and a lifelong pleasure.

You can also include extended family members in this habit. Grandparents can video chat for a weekly read-aloud session, or older cousins can recommend favorite books. These connections build a social component around reading, reinforcing it as a shared and valued activity.

Final Thoughts

By starting the school year with a focus on fun, meaningful reading habits at home, you’re giving your child a gift that extends far beyond the classroom. These eight strategies are more than just tips, as they’re stepping stones toward a lifetime of curiosity, confidence, and connection through books. With a little consistency, creativity, and encouragement, you can turn reading into one of the most joyful parts of your child’s daily routine. Start small, stay positive, and watch your child’s love for reading take root and grow.

Nationally recognized and highly respected, Sara Gross, M.S.Ed., has spent over 30 years helping struggling learners develop foundational reading skills and discover a love for reading. Now, through her groundbreaking and innovative ReadBright program, she shares her expertise—along with a comprehensive set of engaging, research-based instructional materials—with teachers and tutors everywhere.

ReadBright is a structured literacy program aligned with the Science of Reading and is currently used by hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of students across the country, making a meaningful impact in classrooms and intervention settings alike. The program has been successfully implemented in general education classrooms, remedial instruction settings, small group interventions, and one-on-one tutoring. Learn more at: https://www.readbright.com/