by Karen Banes

Created on: December 12, 2008

Lots of kids seem to be natural book addicts while others are more reluctant and need some encouragement to reach for a book rather than the TV remote or the nearest video game console. Use the following tips to encourage your kids to become knowedge hungry little book worms.

Let kids read at their own level. Many reluctant readers struggle with the books other kids their age are reading and lose heart. Let them pick books that they can manage easily to build up confidence. There are many excellent books aimed at kids who are reading a little below their grade level. These books purposely cover material that would be of interest to a certain age group but in a simper way to make the process of reading easier. Many fairly confident readers also enjoy these books as the reading itself is a little easier and that lets them concentrate on the story.

Spend time at the library. A weekly trip to the library is fun, free and educational, and your librarian is an excellent source of information about books that will help get kids interested in reading. Ask about those reluctant reader books or books on the subjects your kid is interested in. Find out about kids' activities at your library. These could include story times, author visits, writing workshops, arts and crafts and all sorts of formal and informal activities to get kids interested in reading. Again, they are usually free, although you may need to register in advance for some of them.

Build up a good home library. Books can be expensive, but they don't have to be. Find a great second hand or discount book store, or rummage through a book stall at a flea market or yard sale. Give your kids a set amount of money to spend beforehand and encourage them to really browse through the books and weigh up the options to make a decision on which one(s) they want. You can also buy used second hand books really cheaply online, but watch out for shipping charges. Often a book will be advertised for one cent but shipping will be a few dollars. This still often turns out good value, especially for more expensive books.

Store books somewhere accessible. Often kids will decide to read or leaf through a book just because its there so make sure it is. Put those library books and junk store finds on a low shelf, or scattered through the house on coffee tables or in baskets. Put books by their beds or next to their toys. Kids are much more likely to look at easily available books, than ask you to get one out/down from a shelf.

Pick your

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