Let’s face it, not every child is a born reader. And that’s just fine! If conventional approaches haven’t worked, perhaps it’s time to think outside the box. Here are some unconventional ways to spark your child’s interest in reading and to see books in a whole new light.
1. Embrace the Weird and Wonderful
Forget about “age-appropriate” or “educational” for a moment. Encourage your child to read whatever captures their attention, even if it’s a robot-building manual, a joke book, or even the breakfast cereal box. Remember, it’s about hooking them into reading for enjoyment and because they’re interested, rather than out of rule or duty. If quirky subjects or formats capture their attention, run with it. In fact, showing them reading can be funny, surprising, or out-and-out bizarre opens so many more avenues of enjoyment. The point is to instigate joy, even if that comes in an unconventional manner.
2. Make Stories into Games
Make reading fun. Make it interactive. Have a kind of scavenger hunt where they look for words, pictures, or other details in a book. Alternatively, use the scenes from the story as acting and let them play their favorite character’s role. You can also challenge them to rewrite the ending or design a board game inspired by the plot. Making reading playful helps break down the barriers of formality and invites your child to connect with the story in a way that feels like playtime, not a task.
3. Skip the Book, For Now
For some reluctant readers, diving straight into a book can feel like standing at the edge of a steep cliff. To ease them in, start with unconventional materials that grab their attention without overwhelming them. Think joke books, video game guides, or even cookbooks—anything that sparks curiosity. Graphic novels and richly illustrated magazines are also fantastic tools, blending visuals with text to make reading feel less intimidating. As they discover the joy of following a story or learning something new, you can slowly introduce more traditional formats. The key is to let them explore at their own pace, transforming reading from a chore into a natural, enjoyable habit.
4. Let Them Be the Storyteller
Children love having control, and storytelling puts them in the driver’s seat. Use wordless picture books or scenes from their favorite stories and ask them to create their own version of events. Let them make up dialogue, add characters, or even change the setting. You could also get them to feel encouraged enough to write their own stories and “publish” them at home by stapling pages together or by using a notebook. When they’re the storyteller, they’re more likely to feel invested and excited about books.
5. Incorporate Tech in a Smart Way
Technology doesn’t have to be the enemy of reading. Many apps and e-readers offer interactive experiences with animations, sound effects, and gamified progress tracking. They might even fill in the gap by having the kids trace what is being said with some printed texts. Certain programs offer children the ability to “choose their own adventure,” giving them some degree of control over what actually happens in the story. By pairing reading with tech, you’ll update books and make them appealing for modern digital-savvy kids.
6. Read in Unexpected Places
Mix it up and make reading an adventure: take books to the park, into the backyard, or to the fort in the middle of the blanket fort smothered in pillows. You can even read outside in the dark with a flashlight to add to the magic. Changing environments breaks the monotony, making it a remembered event. When the environment is special, reading is part of the fun.
When I was growing up, reading was not an activity; it was an adventure. I remember sitting in the garden with The Secret Garden and flowers in bloom, with birds chirping, just like walking through the same magical pathways as Mary Lennox. On the other hand, when I dove into horror stories, I would retreat to the attic, lighting a single candle to set the mood. The flickering shadows and creaking floorboards made the stories come alive in an entirely new way. The environment added depth to the words on the page, almost transporting me into the book’s world. These little touches made reading feel like a full sensory experience, something I’ll always treasure.
7. Make Reading Social
Sometimes, all it takes is a little peer pressure to ignite an interest. Start a small book club within the family or include neighbors. Choose a light book that everyone can have fun with and allow kids to share favorite parts during a casual, snack-filled meeting. You can even host themed activities based on the book, like dressing up as characters or reenacting scenes. Reading with others makes it a lot less of an individual chore and far more of a shared adventure.
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