Discover Nooksy’s 9 tips to get toddlers interested in reading! From interactive questions to fun word games, kickstart your little one’s love for reading today

Introducing toddlers to the joys of reading can be a delightful and rewarding experience. Early reading boosts language skills and sparks imagination. 

But what do you do when they might not be showing an interest in reading? Today we’ve got 9 super-helpful tips to help you get your toddler interested in reading.

Ask Questions

Asking your toddler questions like "What do you think will happen next?", and “Do you remember who this character is?” encourages interaction and keeps them interested.

Encourage Your Child to Read

Even if they’re just beginning to recognise letters or words, encourage them to "read" along by pointing to words as you read and praising their efforts as they join in.

Let Kids Choose Their Own Books

Whether it’s their favourite story or something new, having the choice of what book you’re going to read together makes them feel involved and excited about reading.

Read Together

Spend time reading together every day. This helps strengthen your bond and makes reading a comforting and enjoyable routine.

Encourage Reading Choice

Beyond simply choosing their own books, encouraging your toddler to select different types of books (like picture books, alphabet books, and simple storybooks) can help capture their attention.

Make a Home Library

Create a dedicated space for books in your home. A cosy little corner with a small bookshelf filled with a variety of books makes reading easily accessible and inviting. Bonus points if the library is near the actual reading space. 

Make Reading Fun

Use animated voices, facial expressions, and gestures to bring the stories to life. This makes reading an exciting adventure and helps hold their attention.

Play Word Games

Incorporate word games into your daily routine. Simple games like "I Spy" with letters or rhyming games can make learning new words fun and reinforce their growing vocabulary. You can also learn how to create reading games for young readers.

Read Aloud

Reading aloud to your toddler is one of the most impactful ways to spark their interest in books. Hearing the rhythm and expression in your voice brings stories to life.

By using these simple, easy-to-do tips, you can help your toddler develop a lifelong love for reading. Start with one or more of these today and see their world open up through the magic of books. 

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You might also like: How to use interactive books to help your family start reading.

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