Reading is a fundamental skill that everyone can use every day of their lives.

Without the skill of reading, you wouldn’t know the context of instructions, warnings, traffic signs, forms and other important notices. You would be unable to complete forms such as a job application. You’d miss out on learning opportunities. You’d never know the joy of an adventure story or be able to solve the latest mystery novel.

Here’s what you can do anytime to help kids learn to read:

• Read aloud to younger children. A good story will draw them in. Help kids fall in love with exciting adventures. Then when they’re able to read for themselves, they’ll be more encouraged to reach for a book instead of a video game.

• Keep a log of books read and give yourself a goal. 1,000 books by kindergarten is an attainable goal if you start early and stick with it.

• No time? Have older kids read to younger kids. This will give them more practice at their own reading time.

• Have a family book night. Read books aloud as a family where each person takes turns reading a chapter.

• Allow your kids to choose their own books based on their interests. A forced book is a boring book and won’t get read. You can still govern the age appropriateness of the book without discouraging genres.

• Make the public library a regular part of your kids’ lives. Have them join a book club or library activity groups or other events. Be a regular visitor.

• Can’t get to a library, enable your child to get books through Libby or other free ebook resources.

• Use fiction to supplement your child’s other learning curriculums. Historical fiction is a great way to experience a time period your child is studying. If your child likes science, find stories that use science to solve mysteries.

This year on International literacy Day, do something to help others in your community learn to read.

• Donate your favorite book(s) to a Little Free Library in your neighborhood. None available? Build one and put it somewhere kids can find it, like a local park. Be sure to get permission from local authorities first!

• Volunteer to read to kids at your local library.

• Volunteer to tutor an adult who need literacy help. Contact your local library or research adult literacy programs are in your area.

• Hold a book drive to collect and donate books to an organization that may need them such as a women’s crisis center, children’s home or retirement home.

• Have a short story writing contest. Gather an audience for a read-aloud event and vote for the winner.

Contact your local library for more ideas or simply to lend a hand.

Amazing Reading Program Parents Love

Children Learning Reading

This 230+ pages manuals includes 32 step-by-step Synthetic Phonics lessons that covers all the basic letters/sounds, blending, reading words, sentences, and short stories. You get lessons, games, flashcards, MP3 audios and so much more. Note that it is an affiliate product for which we earn a commission on sales. We love it and recommend it because it is super simple, easy to follow, yet amazingly effective. And it's on sale!! Check it out here.