Reading has far-reaching benefits for kids. It can help them score better academically, improve their mental health and well-being, and strengthen social and emotional skills like empathy. Plus, reading fosters creativity and imagination.
Reading aloud for 15 minutes a day sets kids up for learning success, but it can be hard for busy families to find the time.
But grandparents can be a great resource for helping families to meet this daily reading target together!
Opportunities for grandparents to help kids increase their daily reading time:
- The next time you’re making a meal, have them read the recipe to you.
- Have them read the instructions when you play a new board game or start a new Lego project.
- For little sports fans, reading game scores and highlights is sure to be a home run.
- Have them read the weather forecast before you head out the door.
- For breakfast, lunch or dinner, have them read menu items to help you make your choice. They can practice with online menus, too!
- Keep a book or magazine in your car or bag to pull out when you have long wait times like waiting to be seated at a restaurant.
- Have older grandkids? Start reading the same book and get together for a coffee shop or ice cream date every couple of chapters to discuss what you’ve read.
- If your grandchild doesn ’t have their library card yet, it ’s an easy and fun thing to take off parents ’ to-do lists. Kids will love signing up for their first library card and exploring all the books before choosing some to take home.
- Look for opportunities to take grandkids to free story times at libraries and bookstores.
- Offer a fun reward for meeting a reading goal. Work with parents to come up with an age-appropriate goal that fits in with the family schedule. For example, motivate your grandchild to read 10 books with the reward of a special one-on-one outing with their grandparent!
What if you are a long-distance grandparent? We’ve got you covered with these easy options:
- Send cards or letters in the mail with messages for them to read.
- Start their day off right by sending them text messages with daily affirmations.
- Set up virtual reading “dates” either by video or phone call where you can take turns reading to each other. Work with parents to identify a busy time of day where you can help entertain the kids by reading or listening to them read virtually while parents get a few things done around the house.
- Bring a book to life with the sound of your voice by narrating a Make Momentos recordable e-book and let your grandchild read along with you anytime, anywhere.
Whether you live near or far, finding time for reading together is easier than you think – and it makes a world of difference for kids.
Reading is a wonderful opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to strengthen their bonds. Reading together provides opportunities to relax, laugh, share observations and make connections to real life.
Reading enriches all of our lives in so many ways. As you nurture your grandkids’ reading development, you’re setting a strong foundation for their future success.
What are you doing to help the children in your life become lifelong readers? Let us know in the comments!