Struggling to get your child to engage with books? Try these 10 alternatives to reading books!

 During our recent parent consultations, many parents commented that they were finding it difficult to get their child to read from a book each day. While we still want and need children to engage with books and, hopefully, develop a love of reading, we must ensure that that they are not 'turned off' reading before this happens.

Here are 10 reading alternatives to books that can be used to 'shake up' your reading week and can be added to your child's 'Reading Bookmark'!

1. Comics

Your local newspaper will have daily and weekly comics. Let your child get hooked on following a particular strip. Everybody in the family can take a section of the paper and read together. There are an abundance of comics and graphic novels for all ages - just double check suitability before giving to your child!

Here are some digital comic resources. Please check suitability of all online resources before allowing your child to engage.

2. Letters or Postcards 

Have family and friends send postcards to your child when they travel. A letter from a pen-pal or grandparent is a meaningful piece of reading that your child will treasure. Plus, they can write a letter back.

3. Magazines

There are many great magazine subscriptions available or you can pick up single copies at a local newsagents. Magazines can be used to really target your child's interests - from music to wildlife! Magazines are great for reading on the go too. 

4. Closed Captioning

Most televisions have a closed captioning setting. Kids can listen and read along with the program. Or, you can turn off the sound and your child can follow-along by reading.

5. Menus

Let your child order their dinner when you go out to eat. Or, make your own menus for dinner one night at home.

6. Recipes 

Let your child take the lead when preparing an evening meal or baking a treat for the family. They can read the recipe aloud while you follow the instructions. Find a recipe in a cookbook or online.

7. Websites/Blogs

If your child has a particular interest or hobby, why not use that to develop their love of reading? Reading a webpage linked to their interest or a blog about it is a great way to find out more.

8. Seed Packs

A trip to a local garden centre is full of reading material. Let your child pick a few seed packets that they would like to plant. Have them read the back of the packet to check the amount of light needed in order to grow. They can also check planting depths, growing heights and bloom time frames.

9. Joke Books

Everyone loves a good laugh. And if kids can get that by reading, it’s a big plus. For struggling readers, joke books (or kid-friendly websites about jokes) can be a cool way to practice. Jokes are also an exercise in reading accurately with the right expression or tone.

Explain that comedy is all about timing. This can encourage kids to read jokes and practice for a perfect delivery. Then have your child share the jokes with friends and family.

10. Books THEY write

Nothing is as powerful as reading their own writing. Encourage your child to write, and their reading will get a boost, too.

Don't forget to complete your child's 'Reading Bookmark' each day they read!