Let’s read together

Reading plays a vital role in a child’s personal and academic growth. However, many young children struggle to sit still and engage with a book for more than a few minutes. Some are reluctant to pick one up at all. Fortunately, there are effective ways to capture a child’s attention and foster a love for literature. One of the most important steps is to introduce reading early in childhood. According to the Child Mind Institute (2024), children who are read to daily hear about 290,000 more words by the time they reach kindergarten than those who are not read to regularly. That kind of early exposure to language helps support brain development and builds a strong foundation for future reading skills.
This month’s column highlights an interview with Abdulahi Ahmed, a marketing intern at Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. Abdulahi shares how exposure to new words and vocabulary is integral to the cognitive development of a child. Just the simple action of reading books to the child can dramatically improve the literacy skills of a child.
Q: Why is reading books an important family and community endeavor?
A: As kids get older and start reading on their own, it’s still important to stay involved. If you just hand them a book and tell them to read quietly for a while, chances are they won’t be very interested, especially if they haven’t built a connection to reading yet. But when you take a few minutes to sit and read with them, or let them see you reading your own book, it sets a positive example. Kids are more likely to want to read when they see it as something fun and meaningful, not just a task. A little effort can go a long way in helping them feel excited about books and build confidence in their reading abilities.
Q. What does spending time reading with your child look like?
A: Spending time reading with your child doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as sitting beside them while they read and being available to help if they have questions. The key is to support their comprehension, which is one of the most important aspects of learning through reading. If a child struggles to understand what they’re reading and doesn’t have someone they can turn to for clarification, it can impact their ability to absorb information effectively. Being present not only builds their confidence but also helps them develop stronger literacy skills over time.
Q: How can you encourage a child to enjoy reading if they aren’t naturally interested in books?
A: One of the best ways to spark a child’s interest in reading is by connecting books to things they already enjoy. Whether it’s sports, animals, space, or superheroes, there are books available that tie into just about any hobby or curiosity. Letting a child choose what they want to read gives them a sense of control and autonomy. It makes reading feel less like a chore. You can also make reading time feel special by creating a cozy space, setting a routine, or even reading a book together as a mini tradition. The goal is to show them that reading is not just for school, but that it can be fun, relaxing, and something to look forward to.
Q. What role does consistency play in developing a child’s reading habits?
A: Consistency is one of the most important factors when it comes to building any habit, and reading is no exception. Research shows it can take up to 60 days to build a new habit. Start a 60 Day Reading Challenge by creating a routine where reading is a regular part of a child’s day. This helps make it feel natural and expected, rather than something that’s only done occasionally or when required. Even if it’s just 10-15 minutes a day, that small window adds up over time and reinforces the idea that reading is a normal and valuable part of life. Consistency also helps kids feel more comfortable and confident with reading because they’re getting regular practice. The more familiar they are with books and language, the less intimidating it becomes. Plus, having consistent reading time, like before bed or after dinner, can give both the child and parent something to look forward to together. It’s less about how long you read and more about how often, and showing up for those moments on a regular basis makes a huge impact in the long run.

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A “first educator” refers to the fundamental primary role that parents and caregivers play in a person’s early development and education. They instill essential life skills, morals and behaviors.
By building a routine of reading, first educators help children develop a habit of reading and make learning fun. This begins with reading together daily. You can create a fun learning experience for children by introducing new words and creating a spelling bee experience. You also can incorporate learning lessons through arts and crafts. Enjoy the experience of learning together as a family and community.
Through her organization, Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute, Dr. Artika Tyner offers resources to foster literacy and education.