Developing a Love for Reading in Your Homeschool

16 September 2025

Reading is the cornerstone of education. It opens doors to new worlds, fuels imagination, and builds critical thinking skills. But let’s be honest—getting some kids to love reading at home can feel like trying to pull teeth.

As a homeschooling parent, you have a unique opportunity to nurture a love for books without the pressure of rigid school schedules. You can tailor reading experiences to fit your child’s interests, learning style, and pace. But how do you make reading enjoyable rather than just another subject to check off the list?

This guide will walk you through practical, fun, and engaging ways to turn your homeschool into a reading haven.

1. Make Reading a Daily Habit

Just like brushing teeth or bedtime routines, reading should be woven into your daily life. The more kids are exposed to books, the more natural reading will feel.

Read Aloud Often

Reading aloud is magical. It brings stories to life, introduces new vocabulary, and creates special bonding moments. Even older kids benefit from hearing stories read with expression. Choose books that captivate their interests—fantasy, adventure, mystery, or even poetry.

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

A cozy reading nook can work wonders! Set up a comfy corner with soft pillows, warm lighting, and a basket of books. When reading is inviting, kids will naturally gravitate towards it.

2. Let Kids Choose Their Books

Would you want to read a book someone else picked for you that you found boring? Probably not. Kids feel the same way. Give them the reins when choosing books.

Visit the Library Often

Make library trips a regular adventure. Let your child browse, explore, and check out books that spark their curiosity. Having a variety of options increases the chances of finding something they love.

Offer Different Genres and Formats

Some kids love fiction, others thrive on non-fiction. Some prefer graphic novels, while others enjoy audiobooks. Introduce different formats and genres. The goal is to help them find what excites them.

3. Lead by Example

If you want your kids to love reading, let them see you reading! Kids mirror what they observe. If they see you curled up with a book, they’ll associate reading with relaxation and enjoyment.

Have Family Reading Time

Set aside 15-30 minutes a day where everyone in the house reads quietly. This not only reinforces reading as a lifelong habit but also creates a peaceful moment in your day.

Discuss Books Together

Talk about the books you're reading. Ask your child about their favorite part of a story or what they think will happen next. Engaging in book discussions makes reading more interactive and meaningful.

4. Use Reading Games and Activities

Sometimes kids need a little extra fun to get excited about reading. Games and hands-on activities can bring books to life.

Storytelling Games

Play games like “finish the story,” where one person starts a story, and each person adds a new part. This encourages creativity and strengthens comprehension skills.

Book-Themed Crafts

If your child enjoys arts and crafts, try activities related to the book they’re reading. For example, if they’re reading Charlotte’s Web, they can create spider web art.

Scavenger Hunts

Create scavenger hunts that involve searching for words in books. For example, challenge them to find a book with a certain word, theme, or character.

5. Incorporate Audiobooks and Read-Along Programs

Not all kids enjoy sitting still with a book, and that’s okay! Some children absorb stories better when they hear them. Audiobooks make stories come alive with expressive narration.

When to Use Audiobooks

- During car rides
- While doing chores
- Before bedtime for a relaxing wind-down

Read-Along Books

Pair audiobooks with physical copies so kids can follow along. This helps with word recognition and improves fluency.

6. Connect Books to Real-Life Experiences

Books shouldn't just be words on a page; they should be gateways to real-life exploration.

Field Trips Based on Books

Reading a book about animals? Plan a trip to the zoo. Reading about space? Visit a planetarium. Connecting stories to tangible experiences makes them more memorable.

Cooking Inspired by Stories

Find books with recipes or food-based scenes and cook together! Read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory? Make homemade chocolate desserts.

Act Out Favorite Stories

Turn books into mini-plays. Dressing up as characters and reenacting scenes makes stories feel more personal and exciting.

7. Use a Reward System (But Be Careful)

Some kids need a little motivation to develop a habit. A simple reward system can encourage reading, but the key is to focus on fostering long-term love for books, not just short-term rewards.

Create a Reading Chart

Let kids track the books they’ve read with stickers or stars. Once they reach a certain goal, they earn a reward—like picking the next family movie or getting a new book.

Host a Family Book Club

Make reading feel special by turning it into an event. Pick a book to read as a family, then have a fun discussion over snacks.

8. Be Patient and Keep It Pressure-Free

Not every child will fall in love with reading overnight. Some take longer to develop an interest, and that’s okay. The goal is to create an environment where reading is enjoyable, not a chore.

Avoid Forcing Books

If a child dislikes a book, let them put it down and move on. There will always be another book that sparks their interest.

Celebrate Progress, Not Speed

Reading should never feel like a race. Whether your child devours five books a week or takes a month to finish one, what matters is their engagement and enjoyment.

Final Thoughts

Developing a love for reading in your homeschool isn’t about rigid schedules or forcing kids to consume books like textbooks. It’s about creating an atmosphere where stories become a delightful part of everyday life.

By making reading enjoyable, incorporating variety, and leading by example, you can plant the seeds for a lifelong love of books. Who knows? Your child might just become the kid who gets lost in a book for hours—by choice!