In today’s fast-paced world, screens are everywhere, phones, tablets, TVs. It is through that technology can be useful, it is also true that it often pulls children and students away from books and other developmental activities.
At MindVille, we believe that Raising Readers is not just about reading books, it entails: building intelligent, curious, and confident minds. Even though, from experience and studies, many children seem more drawn to screens than stories, the love for reading isn’t lost, it just needs to be reignited with simple practical steps that will be shared in this post.
We know that children still enjoy stories, so need to look for ways to make books part of their everyday lives again by using strategies that work and have been tested.
This blog from MindVille is a guide for parents and guardians who want to build a strong home reading culture, even in a digital world. With a few simple habits and a lot of love, you can raise a child who not only reads, but enjoys reading.
Why Raising Readers Matters
Firstly it is important to know the reason for Raising readers. Know that it isn’t just about teaching them to read in other to passing exams.
It is about raising a thinker. Children who read regularly develop better vocabulary, stronger focus, imagination, and emotional intelligence.
They learn to ask questions, solve problems, and see the world beyond their own.
Reading helps kids:
- Express themselves clearly
- Do better academically
- Develop empathy
- Reduce stress and anxiety
This means Books open doors that no app, game, movie can open. So the earlier you begin, the stronger the habit becomes.
So What Are The Ways We Can Help Our Children Become a Reader
1. Make Books Visible and Accessible
Children are more likely to read when books are within reach, when they are not hidden in a box or packed away on high shelves. Just like toys or snacks, books should be part of their daily environment.
Create a small home library, reading corner, or even a basket of books in the living room or bedroom. Plus we should rotate the books regularly to keep things fresh.
You don’t need expensive shelves or fancy setups. A neat row of books on a stool or a plastic basket works just fine, what matters is that the child can see, touch, and choose books on their own.
Pro Tip: Mix storybooks with coloring books, comics, or simple fact books. Note that the goal is to create curiosity, not pressure and at the end to raise conscious readers.
2. Be a Reading Role Model
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. If you want your child to read, let them see you reading, books, newspapers, magazines, anything with words.
Let them see you reading books of different types and make it obvious, even talk about what you’re reading, what you learned, or what surprised you. That way, they see reading as something valuable and enjoyable, not just something children are told to do.
You don’t have to be a bookworm. Just spend a few quiet minutes reading beside your child. If you read aloud to them sometimes, even better. It builds connection and shows that books are meaningful.
At MindVille, we’ve seen it again and again, when adults treat books with excitement, children quickly follow.
3. Start Early and Make It Fun
The earlier you introduce books to children, the easier it becomes for parents to raise children who take reading as a habit. You don’t have to wait until they can read, start with picture books, rhymes, and simple stories, even as babies.
Turn story time into play time. Use funny voices, act out scenes, or let your child turn the pages. Let them interrupt with questions, laugh at silly characters, and even “read” the story in their own way.
Reading should never feel like punishment or schoolwork. In fact, the more fun it is, the more often they’ll want to do it, especially when it becomes a bonding moment between you and your child.
At MindVille reading events, we’ve noticed that children who associate books with joy, laughter, and love tend to keep reading even as they grow older.
4. Limit Screen Time Without Making Books a Punishment
In today’s world, screens are everywhere, and completely banning them may not work. What we can do as parents is to balance reading and the use of screens without making books feel like a punishment.
Instead of saying, “No phone, go and read,” try saying, “Let’s take 30 minutes to enjoy this new book together.” Make reading feel like a reward, not a chore.
You can set screen-free times during the day, maybe after school or just before bedtime, and fill that space with fun reading moments. Reading can also be part of family routines, like a quiet Sunday morning or right after dinner.
Be patient, because gradually, children will start picking books on their own. When books are offered with love and not force, the habit will grow naturally.
At MindVille, we always encourage families to blend both worlds, use technology to explore books (audiobooks, reading apps), but still keep physical books at the heart of the home.
5. Choose Books That Match Their Interests
One of the biggest reasons children lose interest in reading is because they’re given books that don’t excite them. Not every child will enjoy fairy tales or long novels, and that’s okay.
Find out what your child already loves, animals, football, space, princesses, adventure, cartoons, and start from there. Whether it’s a comic book, a short chapter book, a true-life story, or a colourful picture book, let their interests lead the way.
You can also introduce them to African writers, folktales, or books with relatable characters, stories that reflect their own culture and spark pride in who they are.
We help parents choose books that suit every reading level and personality, from curious toddlers to thoughtful teens. When a child sees themselves in a book, they’re more likely to keep turning the pages.
6. Celebrate Reading Moments
Every time your child finishes a book, understands a new word, or picks up a book without being asked, celebrate it. These little victories build confidence and show them that reading is something to be proud of.
You don’t need big rewards. A high-five, a “wow, you read that?” or even letting them choose the next book can go a long way. You can also:
Start a family reading chart that shows progress
Share their reading milestones with loved ones
Take them to a bookstore (like MindVille!) to pick a book themselves
Make reading feel special. When children know that their efforts are noticed, they’ll want to do more.
At MindVille, we’ve seen that when parents cheer their children’s reading journeys, even the most reluctant readers begin to shine.
Final Thoughts: A Book in the Hand, A World in the Mind
Raising readers in a digital age may seem difficult, but it’s not impossible. It starts with small actions, visible books, joyful reading, patient guidance, and lots of encouragement.
Your goal isn’t to force reading. It’s to plant a seed and water it gently with love, attention, and the right stories.
We believe every child has the potential to become a confident, curious, and lifelong reader. With your help, that journey can begin from home.
For childrens books click here https://mindville.ng/product-category/children-books/
