How to Develop Reading Habits in Children: 8 Practical Tips

Why Is Reading Important for Children?

Research shows that reading has a huge impact on a child’s learning and development.

Children who read every day perform better in reading tests than those who do not. They also have better general knowledge and demonstrate a wider understanding of different cultures.

Good reading habits also enhance cognitive skills, including language acquisition, comprehension, and critical thinking. In fact, studies show that regular reading is also associated with stronger educational outcomes, regardless of a child’s social or economic background.

The benefits of reading for children

• Reading introduces children to different places, people, cultures and perspectives.
• Reading ignites imaginations, encouraging creative thinking.
• Reading improves vocabulary and develops written and spoken communication skills.
• Reading builds confidence.
• Reading creates opportunities for children to connect with family and classmates through shared stories and discussions.
• Reading improves focus, concentration, and memory by immersing your child in a single activity.

>> Read more: The importance of play in child development

Reading is at the heart of a BVIS HCMC education

We love reading at BVIS HCMC. Our campus is full of inviting spaces and comfortable corners that give our students the opportunity to read both for pleasure and purpose. 

We also organise lots of different reading-focused projects throughout the year. These encourage reading habits and instil a lifelong love of books.

Initiatives include:

• Fun challenges that motivate our children to set and achieve both individual and collective reading goals. 
• Family events and activities that promote a culture of reading in school and at home.
• Digital reading platforms and e-books that make the most of the latest technology, inspiring our tech-savvy students to read in new ways.
• Online communities that enable discussion, debate, and book recommendations, fostering a sense of community based around reading.

8 Ways to Help Your Child Develop a Reading Habit

As a parent, you’ll play a big role in your child’s reading journey. You are their first and most important educator, which is why we emphasise the importance of great reading habits both in school and at home.

The key to encouraging reading habits in children is reading with them from a young age. By sharing a book together often, your child will discover the joy that reading can bring.

1. Start early

You can start to raise a reader from the day your child is born. You can begin reading to your child from birth. Even a few minutes each day allows your baby to hear your voice, become familiar with language and associate books with comfort and connection.

2. Make reading a daily habit

Make reading part of your routine by sharing a book with your child before bedtime.

3. Let Your Child See You Read

Whether you love books, magazines, or graphic novels, let your child see you reading. Children learn from what they see. If you’re excited about reading, your child is likely to pick up on your enthusiasm.

4. Create a reading space

Your reading space doesn’t have to be big or have a lot of bookshelves. It can be a corner of the sofa or a chair in the room where your child sleeps. Picking a comfy spot that has enough light and space to keep a few books will help your child connect reading with cosiness and comfort.

5. Let your child choose what to read

Children are more likely to want to read something they pick themselves. To help narrow the choices, give your child a selection of books to choose from.

6. Find reading moments in everyday life

Reading isn’t just about sitting down with a good book. It’s part of daily life, too. As you go through your day, help your child keep an eye out for ‘reading moments’. They may be as simple as reading a recipe or restaurant menu.

7. Re-read favourite books

You might get tired of reading the same story over and over again, but your child may love it. Re-reading gives them a chance to connect the words on a page with the words they hear. Eventually, your child might start reading the book to you.

8. Understand How Reading Skills Develop with Age

You may not be a teacher, but you’re still your child’s first educator. Knowing a little bit about what skills to expect at different ages can support your child’s reading.

>> Discover more: How Does Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Prepare Children for a Confident Start in Primary School?

The support of families, combined with a suitable educational environment at school, provides a strong foundation for children to maintain their reading habits and develop a lifelong love of learning. If you are looking for an environment that encourages children to develop a strong reading culture and explore knowledge independently, discover the National Curriculum for England at BVIS HCMC. For more information, please contact:

• Campus Address: 44–46 Street No. 1, 6B Intresco Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Hotline: (028) 3758 8033
• Email: admissions@bvisvietnam.com 

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