RAR #136: If You Want Your Kids to Love Reading, Try This

I would be willing to bet that if you’re reading this, you’re hoping to raise kids who love reading. Think back for a second. Were the books you were assigned in school the same books you stayed up reading under the covers, late at night with a flashlight?

When you were done writing the book report or the essay, did you eagerly start the book over, only to dive back into the utter delight of losing yourself in the story?

Would you say those books became one of your childhood’s sweetest delights? Or were you just relieved to have “done” the book?

See, all kids love stories when they are younger. Loving stories isn’t the problem.

The problem arises when reading becomes something we do for school—for a grade or an assignment.

The problem arises when our kids start to see reading as something on their list of to-do’s, rather than as one of life’s sweetest delights.

Today, we’re turning that on its head.

See, we have the opportunity to engage our kids with books differently– in a way that helps them love a book more after they’ve read it (rather than relieved that they’re done with the book).

It’s simple and doable, and on this episode of the Read-Aloud Revival, I’m breaking it down. Want to help your kids love reading? Don’t miss this one.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 4 simple steps you can take to change the way your kids interact with books… for the better
• why this will be a game-changer for your child’s reading life

If you’d like a one-page printable guide that breaks down the four steps I talk about in this episode, just text REVIVAL to the number 33777, or enter your email below:

Listener Guide

Use the time stamps below to skip to any part of the podcast:

1:31	The biggest difference and best impact
4:37	Leave kids wanting more
5:14	A simple 4-step process
6:59	Step 1: Read aloud
7:50	Step 2: Share an experience
9:10	An example: Dinner with the Beavers
13:14	Step 3: Talk about it
18:52	Step 4: The Gravy
22:39	Helping our kids become readers for life
24:18	Creating a ‘storehouse of wonderful memories’
25:19	Let the Kids Speak

Links from this episode:

• Get these 4-steps in a handy printable PDF by texting the word REVIVAL to 33777
• Get access to the FREE RAR Booklist
• Want to get in on this 4-step action every single month along with our community? We do it in our Premium Family Book Club.

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Quote to remember:

“Books are powerful. Sharing those books together is like jet fuel for our family bonding and our kids’ academic and social and emotional success.” – Sarah Mackenzie

“It’s magical to meet the person behind that book that you’ve been loving with your family, that you’ve celebrated with food, that you’ve been talking about. Trust me– it takes things to a different level.” – Sarah Mackenzie

“If you only did this once a year for a handful of years, your kids would have a handful of life-changing memories about books. They’ll have this storehouse of wonderful memories.” – Sarah Mackenzie

Books from this episode:

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You’ll also enjoy:

• Reading Aloud as an Obstinate Act of Love
• Kate DiCamillo on Reading Aloud for Connection
• How to Create a Book Club Culture at Home