Encouraging a Love of Reading in Your Preschool Child

29 July 2025

Reading is one of the most valuable skills a child can develop. But more than just a skill, fostering a genuine love for reading from an early age can shape a child's imagination, critical thinking, and even emotional well-being.

If you're a parent wondering how to spark that excitement for books in your preschooler, you're in the right place. Let's dive into some practical ways to cultivate a lifelong love for reading in your little one.

Why is Reading Important for Preschoolers?

Before we get into the "how," let's talk about the "why." Why is reading so important at this stage?

1. Boosts Language Skills – Reading exposes kids to new words and sentence structures, improving their vocabulary and communication skills.
2. Enhances Imagination and Creativity – Stories transport kids to different worlds, allowing them to dream, explore, and create.
3. Strengthens Emotional Development – Books teach empathy by helping kids understand different emotions, perspectives, and situations.
4. Prepares for Academic Success – A love for books early on sets the foundation for strong reading skills in school.
5. Builds a Strong Parent-Child Bond – Reading together fosters connection and quality time.

Now that we've covered the importance, let's look at how to make reading an enjoyable part of your child's daily routine.

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

One of the easiest ways to encourage reading is to make it a natural part of your child's day. Just like brushing their teeth or eating meals, reading should be a regular activity.

How to make it work:
- Set aside at least 15-20 minutes daily for reading.
- Pick a consistent time—before bedtime is a great choice for winding down.
- Keep books in easy-to-reach places so your child can grab them whenever they want.

When reading becomes a natural habit, your child will begin looking forward to it rather than seeing it as a chore.

2. Let Your Child Choose the Books

Would you enjoy reading something you're not interested in? Probably not! The same goes for kids. When they have the power to pick their own books, they're far more likely to be engaged.

Ways to encourage choice:
- Visit the library and let them explore different books.
- Offer a variety of genres—picture books, interactive books, rhyming books, and even simple non-fiction.
- Observe their interests (dinosaurs, fairies, trucks, or animals) and find books that match.

When they feel in control of their reading choices, they'll develop a natural curiosity for books rather than seeing reading as an obligation.

3. Read Aloud with Enthusiasm

Your tone, expressions, and energy play a huge role in bringing stories to life. Reading aloud isn't just about saying the words—it's about making the story engaging and fun.

Tips for an engaging read-aloud session:
- Use different voices for characters—make it theatrical!
- Pause to ask your child questions about the story ("What do you think will happen next?")
- Encourage them to repeat phrases, sound out words, or act out parts of the story.

When you make reading feel like an exciting performance, kids will be drawn to the magic of storytelling.

4. Create a Cozy Reading Nook

A special reading space can make a big difference in getting your child excited about books. It doesn't have to be fancy—just a comfy, inviting spot where they can curl up with a story.

What makes a great reading nook?
- A cozy chair, cushions, or bean bags.
- Soft lighting for a warm and inviting feel.
- A small shelf or basket of books within arm’s reach.

Having a dedicated reading area signals to your child that books are special, making it a place they’ll want to visit often.

5. Be a Reading Role Model

Kids imitate what they see. If they catch you scrolling through your phone all day but never reading a book, they won’t see reading as valuable.

How to model good reading habits:
- Let them see you reading books, magazines, or newspapers.
- Share your excitement about stories ("This book is SO interesting!").
- Read alongside them—have "family reading time" where everyone enjoys a book.

When reading is a visible and enjoyable activity in the home, kids will naturally want to join in.

6. Connect Books to Everyday Life

Make books more meaningful by connecting them to real-world experiences. This helps children see that reading isn’t just about words on a page—it’s about understanding and exploring the world around them.

Ways to make connections:
- Reading about animals? Visit the zoo and compare what they learned.
- Reading a book about baking? Try making cookies together.
- Reading a story set in a forest? Go on a nature walk and talk about what they remember.

These connections make reading more interactive and memorable for your child.

7. Use Interactive and Audio Books

Not all reading has to involve a traditional book. Some kids respond better to interactive or auditory experiences.

Try these options:
- Lift-the-flap books – Great for engagement and curiosity.
- Touch-and-feel books – Stimulate sensory exploration.
- Audiobooks – Perfect for long car rides or quiet time.
- eBooks with animations – Some digital books can make reading feel more like an adventure.

Mixing different formats ensures that reading remains fresh and exciting.

8. Encourage Storytelling and Retelling

Reading is just one piece of the literacy puzzle—storytelling is another fantastic way to develop a love for books.

Fun storytelling activities:
- Ask your child to retell the story in their own words.
- Let them predict what happens next before turning the page.
- Encourage them to make up their own stories using pictures or toys.
- Keep a story journal where they can draw and "write" their own little books.

When kids feel like they can create their own stories, they develop a sense of ownership over storytelling, fostering a deeper connection to books.

9. Be Patient and Keep It Fun

Not every child will instantly fall in love with reading, and that’s okay. The key is making it enjoyable rather than stressful.

What NOT to do:
- Don’t force them to read if they’re not in the mood—this creates resistance.
- Avoid making reading feel like homework.
- Don’t stress over perfection—if they skip a word or don’t pronounce something right, it’s okay!

What TO do instead:
- Keep it lighthearted and playful.
- Praise their efforts, not just their reading ability.
- Let them "read" by describing the pictures—it still counts!

When kids associate reading with positive emotions, they’ll keep coming back to books willingly.

Final Thoughts

Encouraging a love of reading in your preschool child is a journey, not a race. Some kids will take to books immediately, while others need a bit more time and encouragement. The key is to create an environment where reading feels joyful, engaging, and meaningful.

From choosing fun books to setting up a cozy reading nook, every small effort adds up. So, grab a book, get comfy, and make reading a cherished part of your child’s everyday life.

Because when reading is fun, it becomes a lifelong love—not just a skill.