How do you raise a reader? This is a question that has always intrigued me. I love to read and it has always been such an important part of my life. A refuge from social pressures in middle school, an anxiety reliever in college, and a way to relax and get “me time,” nowadays.
The other day I was talking to one of my best friends, Ellie. You might hear about her a lot her here, she’s an incredibly wise person that always has the perfect advice and insight.
I asked her this question. Her husband is a huge reader (along with her) and she shared a ritual his Mom had in their home growing up, that seemed so genius to me. Everyday, after school, they would go to the library on their way home from school.
Whether they got a book or not, they spent time at the library. The kids would all go and find books they were interested in, and piqued their interest that day. Then after however long, they’d go home and continue on with the rest of their day.
I don’t know why this is so profound to me, but I’ve thought about it so many times since we had the conversation. I think its absolutely genius.
What do you do to encourage your children to read? Or, if you aren’t a parent, what did your parents do to encourage you to read?
