Share tips on encouraging children to read and WIN a full set of Wimpy Kid books!

Accept that your child will probably go through phases. My daughters will devour books for so long, but then may go a few months reading very little at all. Don't force reading - it's supposed to be a pleasure. Let them see you enjoying and talking about books. Visit and browse libraries and book shops, and hopefully they'll become a lifelong reader.

I love books and reading. My children see books around the house and their parents reading them. They see the enjoyment we get from them and so it is not a chore or effort for them to want to read or look at their books. They see it as an enjoyable way to pass their time. So my advice is if your struggling to get your little one to read, pick up a book yourself. After all our little ones want to be just like us x

We got DS1 a cheap e-reader so if he wasn't tired he could read without disturbing DS2. Both have been enthused by the summer library challenge and choosing their own books at the library.

My girls are avid readers and have had no problems at all but my son is a very reluctant reader so I have to incentivise him with the withdrawal of things he loves (like using the ipad) until he has read a little bit of a book he might like. He as got better but is still slow so we spend time together reading together.

The way we encouraged our DC to read is by reading lots ourselves. And also by getting Wimpy Kid books, which the older one adores.

I think the best way to encourage reading is to choose brilliant books.
It's easy to be enthusiastic about something that is fantastic.
There are so many brilliant children's books out there, but also some very average ones.

I've had lots of recommendations from Mumsnet. Libraries are so fantastic also. We have new books every week for my youngest.

my top tip is, if they do not like reading books, don't make them.

ds refused to pickupo a book, but was quite happy, insistent even, on getting homework from me. initially it was matching 4 cvc words to a picture, progressing onto reading sentences getting more and more complex and adidng in written responses.

he was happy to read books that he could already read then.

dd learned lots of reading skills very early. she enjoyed looking at books while she was a few months old. she would model following the print with a finger... she liked it when the cockeral crowed and jabbed my finger onto the relavent word to get me to say it again. (picture book with few words) she liked reading names of people and when one would grab my finger again, jab it on the paper and demand name... for me to write. she was distinguishing mummy, from daddy very early. she was however abook destroyer, so getting her interested in reading required finding as many bath books as possible for her to look at. top tip for those whose children eat/rip books... use bath books instead.

My top tip is to find books that interest them- fiction or non-fiction, comics or magazines, it doesn't matter as long as they are reading.

Also, be a reading household. if they see their role models (mums and dads) read, they are more likely to.

Interactive books you can go through together are a good way to get interest. Finding topics that interest the child are essential & not too much text initially. Take them to the library with you & make it fun to choose books, also join any schemes your local library do to encourage reading with rewards like stickers etc. Set a good example by enjoying literature yourself, & being enthusiastic about what your child is reading and doing. Ideally start children at toddler stage to love stories and books & they will progress quite naturally to enjoy them.

My boys have all loved to be read to but have always started off being reluctant to read themselves. I would choose an exciting adventure story and read most of the way through before claiming to be too tired to finish the book. Without fail they would want to know the end so would read it themselves. I started reading less and less of it until they were reading the whole book. Sometimes, if I say I'm tired Ds3 (8) will offer to read to me.

My child didn't like stories. Even if someone read a story, she started to run to play. But she like to look into shapes and animals. So we started to show animals and shapes in newspaper advertisements. Then she started to turn pages to look for them and eventually started to look at picture books. The best way to encourage children to read is trying with books with lot of pictures and few words.

I think there are two passions that should be cultivated in pre-reading children. Firstly a love of language. Children can get this through all the usual ways like parents reading to them, playing I Spy etc. I found teaching children naughty limericks or cheeky rhyming couplets can help. It gives them recognition of rhyme and understanding that language can be used subversively!! So, for example, I taught my 3 year old DS2 Colin McNaughton's rhyme:
Cockroach sandwich
for my lunch,
Love the taste
but hate the crunch!
Secondly I found with my DS2 that he was overwhelmed by the enormity of the challenge of reading as he could see that DS1 could do it but it felt so distant and impossible. So I approached things differently. I tried to cultivate a love of books as objects. So I got him to draw some really simple pictures which told a story- he needed some supervision. Then I cut them out and made a comic book with them and when he turned the pages and saw his story told in pictures he was delighted! He even named it 'The boy who lost his smile'. I also gave him a notebook and pencil for solving mysteries so now when he is lonely in the playground he takes it out and draws and traces odd things mostly dents in the floor and walls!

I struggled with my sons reading when he started school, I think he thought it would happen quickly. I found patience was the only way and letting him choose the books. O how much I disliked reading Biff and Chip, but we got there in the end, and now he is a great little reader!

1. It is never too early to start! Even if it seems pointless to read them a story you don't think they understand, babies like listening to the sound of their parents'/carers' voices & will like looking at pictures, board books with holes in, lift the flap, etc.

Even if you are exhausted after a busy day, try to make time to read your dcs a short story, poem or snippet from a magazine/newspaper every day
(or at least as often as you can).

Relaxing bedtime stories (or alternatively Weekend lie-in/waking up stories) with lots of cuddles are the best part of being a parent!
Don't miss out!

2. Books found here
   You may not own a huge collection of books & reading material, but you can still introduce children to books in libraries,
   children's centres, community centres & even book shops.
   
   Most of these places have comfy seating areas that are child-friendly and you can take refuge in on rainy days.
   
   Show your kids the different formats for books + how to treat them with respect.
   Obviously, lead by example.

3. Games, fun & encouragement
   a) Encourage letter recognition on street signs, buildings, etc.
   
   If your dc's name starts with "P",

• What sound does the letter "P" make?
• How would you write "P" with a magic wand?
• Point out the "P" for parking or on other signs.
• How many other "P"s can they find? (e.g. in a particular word, on the way to the shops, waiting in a queue, etc)
• What animals, food, etc start with "P"?

b) Encourage your dc as they start to recognise words like "no", "baby", "the", etc in a story.

• To build their confidence, pause and let them read out loud words that that you know that they recognise.
• If you are reading a story that rhymes, let them have a guess at the word that completes the rhyme.

c) Encourage your dc as they start to read out loud.

• They may like to play school with their toys or a younger sibling and "read" a story they know quite well.

d) Encourage your dc with their books from school.
As their books that they bring home from school get longer & they get tired of reading aloud all the time, you could try

• choosing a character to read the part of
• taking turns to read alternate pages
• letting them read a shorter page of text while you read a longer one

e) Encourage your dc to do the Summer Reading Challenge (at libraries during the summer)

• most libraries will put on various free events related to the Summer Reading Challenge

f) Take a break from reading and talk instead.

• You can still talk about what makes Horrid Henry horrid?
• Which bits were the funniest/ most exciting?
• What would you have said/done if x happened to you, etc?

• What similarities/differences were there between the book & the film?
• Were the characters how you imagined?
• Do you prefer the book or the film?

4. Let them choose what to read! Whether it is that same story that you've read them 3 times a day for the last month, or a book below their normal reading level or a story that they have read to death or yet another book of a never-ending series, let them enjoy whatever they have chosen.

Having said that, there's no harm trying to introduce books they may not consider/have access to at school
Even after they have begun to read independently, they may still like to be read to.
I try to read a chapter of a book from a series & we read different parts, alternate pages, etc.

If it is a book I already know the ending of, I might become too busy to read the rest at a crucial point in the plot knowing that
the story may get finished independently.

I try to pick something that will appeal, with characters they can relate to or at least get interested in.
(e.g. adventure, animals, character of a similar age, etc)

Comics and graphic novels are great, especially for those who miss having pictures.

Don't forget non-fiction books too or country/travel guides if you're planning a trip somewhere or know someone from a different country.

5. Treats & Seats If you live near a £1 book store or The Works, buying a new book (annual, activity book, etc) could be a pre-holiday treat/holiday souvenir especially if you have a long journey planned. I've picked up old but untouched annuals/activity books in charity shops and these are often chosen for re-reading.
   Some book stores have a remainders/second hand section.
   Also, don't forget library book sales - lots of cheap youth fiction to try!

Another treat would be to go see the film, theatre production, author of a favourite book.

There are lots of children's book/storytelling events these days and also children's theatre at small venues can be cheaper than more plastic toys
if you are looking for birthday ideas.

Finally...Reading=Knowledge
Remember that once they can read, they will also be able to read graffiti in public places as well, so you may end up having some unexpected interesting conversations.

Agree with others as have two boys that boys need identifiable characters and funny books win hands down. I have one avid reader and one reluctant (so far but he is only five). Avid loves Wimpy Kid and Horrid Henry. I have always been a keen reader myself and I think that helps. I think talking a lot about the books and showing a real interest (from the parent) really helps. Also my eldest loves making his own versions with of existing characters e.g Horrid Henry. Once they have a love of reading and can read themselves I think it is with them for life.

Read to them daily and as often as possible when they are young.

Let reading time be warm relaxed and associated with a cuddle and special time as far as possible. Create good associations.

Choose books you are enthusiastic and talk about books being brilliant so they feel from when they are young that books are a doorway to a million different worlds.

Look after books and treat them with respect.

Take them to libraries.

Let them choose half what they borrow, you choose the rest.

Go to the library regularly if you can.

Talk about authors and their lives so they develop favourites.

Get child to email the author to say they love their book (my dd got two lovely replies from two fanTAStic authors/illustrators. They replied by email but that was still really wonderful to me.)

Make blank books when they are young with staples and rough paper, they love to make their own books at whatever level they are at. If writing slows them down, let them dictate.

Find books which reflect their interests. My ds loved the Tanghsen Tiger series in year 4 as he was interested in martial arts.

Capitalise on children's desire to have a complete set. Use relatives asking for what to buy them as an pop to say which number the child is missing etc.

Refer to book characters in daily life and ask what they would do in a normal life situation.

Create lists of favourite books

Give a child a chance to write book reviews, even it it's only a line.

Ask children to give a book a number of stars as a review

Show a child your favourite children's books, get them from Amazon, read them to your child and say how you loved the story and why.

Let them see you read, let them hear that you LOVE books, let them see that you look after them, let them hear that reading is a high pleasure, high status life enhancing activity!

A good idea is not to be snobby about what is 'good' or 'bad' reading material. Comics, anime or graphic novels are all good, also Argos catalogues, annuals and magazines. My son is not wild about fiction but devours factual books so make sure we get plenty from library and charity shops.

One of the best ways to encourage children to read is through using books that have characters which are relatable to them. When children can make connections with the experiences and realities of the characters, the become engaged in the novel. It is also helpful to begin a Minds On Activity before beginning the novel. This helps prepare them for the context of the novel, which builds intrigue and anticipation before reading. Feel free to continue the talk on reading at the blog at Thornhill English Tutorfor discussions on education and diversity.

One of the best ways to encourage children to read is through using books that have characters which are relatable to them. When children can make connections with the experiences and realities of the characters, the become engaged in the novel. It is also helpful to begin a Minds On Activity before beginning the novel. This helps prepare them for the context of the novel, which builds intrigue and anticipation before reading. Feel free to continue the talk on reading at the blog at

I have struggled getting my DS (10) to enjoy fiction.

He did enjoy Wimpy Kid and David Walliams, and some Roald Dahl but he's a superbly fussy reader.

I recently started the you read one page I will read the next, and the book I got him was Wonder.

It is a totally stunning book and we both look forward to bedtime now.

Rocket that sounds like a fabulous charity.

I used to volunteer in a charity shop, and they were very fussy about the books they would accept for sale. Too fussy imo, but that is another matter! Anyway, any books they didn't want, whatever the condition, were collected weekly by a local church (shop didn't have much storage), amalgamated with other donations and shipped out to schools in Africa. It was a specific country(several schools) but I don't remember which one. They said that the schools were desperate for anything to read.

Both my boys (7 and 8 years old) have read all the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, but the best tip I have ever received is to find books that are of interest to the child in question. My mother in law thinks that my kids should read The Famous Five and is absolutely appalled by me getting them the entire series of Horrid Henry... Both my children started getting interested in books when they figured out that you could get interesting fact books about fast cars, airplanes, the army, anything with an engine, and books that will make them laugh such as Billionaire Boy (or any book by David Williams - the guy is a genius). The key is to find books that your child really likes. Forget about school books!!

I have spent some months volunteering in a small community-run library in Guatemala, in a very run down and poor area. As a volunteer, I used to listen to children reading any book they liked, and then write down the book title and pages read on a board - and the children would get rewards - small shampoo bottles, little toys, hair brush, soap, toothbrushes, etc. They could either spend their 'points' in a small item or accumulate their points to buy something big, like a football or a book. The staff at the library ran special after school clubs to help children with their homework, and all of this was supported through charity donations. This is a very practical way of encouraging young children to read, children who otherwise have no support at home (illiterate parents) and no help with homework. I am not sure exactly why I am writing about that here, but it's the first thing that came to my mind when I read about encouraging children to read to make a real, tangible difference to their future! The charity still exist, it's called Open Windows, here's the website: www.openwindowsfoundation.com. It's not a UK charity, so I am not writing about this to get any donations, just to say that encouraging reading in young children can have a huge effect on their future.

I go to the local boot sale and get books for my children, then give away the ones we don't want anymore to the local charity shop; this way they are exposed to a wide variety of books and we have loads. We read together every night and try to make time for this. I love funny stories and rhyming stories, this seems to have encouraged my kids and they get excited about jumping under the duvet ready for the story. The original Dr Suess books were some we started with, then the winnie the witch, mr men, the gruffalo, Rauld Dahl.... So many great stories. I wish I had more time.
My little boy is still not so keen on reading for himself (he is 5) but school want to see that he has read every night. My little girl loves reading. Is it a boy/girl thing??? Though, when I think about it, my little boy does not do many things he is supposed to when I ask!
I think the best advice I could give myself would be "don't worry about it" he will get there when he is ready. Just enjoy your time with your children, keep reading with them and have fun.

Stickers, props, silly hand moves, reading about favourite tv characters, making a special time of day and a special place to read, going to the library more often.

Firstly we adore wimpy kid books and when I say we, I mean the whole family. They are hilarious and fun to read alone and together as there is so much that families can relate to.

My top tip would be never ever force a child to read. It can put them off reading forever. Just make it fun and for pleasure (not to get them up to the next reading level).

Starting young really helps - just sharing books, enjoying them, giggling at pictures, talking about things you've read together.

Story sacks and props can help (you don't need to buy expensive ones) - make your own eg an empty box of porridge, a doll and three different sized cuddly bears all in a pillow case with a goldilocks and the three bears storybook.

For older children, perhaps make an effort to visit a real place you've read about in a fictional book or cook a recipe based on a story you read.

Reading should never be boring and never be forced - make it fun and read kids books yourself and they'll soon want to join in.