Give Your Children the Gift of Reading this Holiday: 10 Tips for Parents

As a mom, I look forward to the holidays, the time off from school for our son, Madden, (now 11), and all the festive rituals we do each year.  But, I also find myself wondering how to keep Madden engaged, reading, and off the screen with all this extra time.  It's easy for reading to take a backseat, but there are plenty of creative and fun ways to keep the kids reading!

Here's some tips:

1. Create a Family Reading Culture in Cozy Spots 

Find times for the whole family to read in the same space. Create a cozy, inviting spot -- e.g., the living room with a fire, a room with the Christmas tree and hot chocolate, etc.  The adults model enjoying reading and everyone takes time to read their book or magazine.  Then, everyone in the family takes turns sharing what they are enjoying about their literature and characters.  You can ask questions:  What do you predict will happen?  Do you like the main character (why? why not?)? Where is the book set?  How do you know?   

2. Set Up a Reading Challenge

Make reading exciting by setting up a winter reading challenge. Create a chart where kids can track their reading progress. Set goals—like reading a certain number of books, pages, or amount of time by the end of winter break—and offer small rewards for achieving them. This can motivate children to read more and give them something to look forward to.

3. Visit the Library

Take a trip to your local library to explore new titles. Many libraries have special holiday-themed events and programs for children during the winter break. Encourage your child to choose books that interest them, whether they’re fiction, non-fiction, or graphic novels. Let them have a say in what they want to read to foster a sense of ownership and excitement.

4. Bake Something New that Requires a Recipe

We all love holiday sweets!  Help your children find a new recipe that appeals to them.  They can read the recipe, direct the steps and even do a little math with measuring.  The recipe reading gives them a real treat to share!

5. Host a Family Reading Night with a Special Book of the Season

Turn reading into a family affair by hosting a family reading night of books that relate to the season. Gather everyone together, choose a book to read aloud, and take turns reading chapters. You can also encourage family members to share their favorite books or stories. This not only promotes reading but also strengthens family bonds and creates lasting memories.

6. Brainstorm a List of Screen Free Activities

Helping kids brainstorm screen-free activities is an exercise in writing in itself. List all the fun activities your child enjoys: Legoes, soccer drills, arts & crafts, etc.  Then, steer your child in these directions away from screens.  This is healthier play and helps them learn that they can escape into activities beyond the screen.  This frees up space to also fit in more reading.

7. Encourage Book-Related Activities

Bring stories to life by incorporating fun activities related to the books your child is reading. This could include drawing scenes from the story, writing alternate endings, or even acting out their favorite parts. Such activities can deepen comprehension and make reading a multi-dimensional experience.

8. Create a Book Club

Create a friend group of family book club.  Select a book to read over the holidays and then discuss.  My friend does this with her son and mom.  Her mom lives in another state so they meet over Zoom. She says it's a special bonding time for her son and his grandmother.  You can research books that seem interesting and then vote.  Some books even include discussion guides to support a good conversation and powerful questions.   

9. Mix Up the Reading Material

Encourage kids to explore a variety of reading materials beyond traditional books. Magazines, comic books, recipes, game instructions, graphic novels, and even online articles can be engaging and informative. Mixing up the types of reading materials can help maintain interest and introduce them to different writing styles and topics.

10. Lead by Example

Finally, show your child that reading is a valued and loved activity by making it a part of your daily routine. Share the books you’re reading and discuss them with your child. When they see you engaged in reading, they’re more likely to want to join in.

Winter break is a wonderful opportunity to foster a love of reading in children. By creating a cozy environment, setting challenges, and involving the whole family, you can help keep the joy of reading alive during the holidays. With these strategies, you can turn winter break into a magical time filled with stories, adventures, and cherished memories. Happy reading!