How to Build a Culture of Reading for Pleasure at Home
Reading for fun isn’t just “nice to have”, it’s one of the biggest gifts you can give your child. Kids who read for pleasure do better at school, have richer vocabularies, and even feel happier. The best part? You don’t need a big budget or hours of free time. You just need a few simple habits that turn books into part of everyday life.
Here’s how to create a home where reading feels like play, not homework.
1. Make Books Easy to Grab
Kids read what’s in front of them. If the TV remote is closer than a book, guess what wins?
Try this:
Keep a basket of books in the living room, car, and by the bedtime table.
Rotate 5–7 books every two weeks as fresh covers spark curiosity.
Let kids pick the books (even comics or magazines count!).
Evidence: A 2019 study by the National Literacy Trust found that children with books at home are 3 times more likely to read above their age level.
2. Let Them Choose
Forcing “good” books backfires. When kids pick, they’re more likely to finish and enjoy it.
Try this:
Take weekly library trips and let them fill the bag.
Say “yes” to silly, spooky, or superhero stories.
No judgment - a happy reader today becomes a deep reader tomorrow.
Evidence: Research from the UCL Institute of Education shows that self-selected reading boosts motivation and academic performance.
3. Build Tiny Rituals
Habits stick when they’re tied to something you already do. Here are some ideas for when you could add in a regular reading session to your day.
Try this:
10 minutes before lights-out: “Book & snuggle” time.
After dinner: Everyone grabs a book for 10 quiet minutes.
Weekend mornings: Breakfast then books
Keep it short, keep it daily, keep it fun.
Evidence: A University of Sussex study found that just six minutes of reading can reduce stress by 68%, making short sessions a powerful daily ritual for building fluency.
4. Be a Reading Role Model
Kids copy what they see. If you’re on your phone, they’ll want theirs.
Try this:
Read your own book (or magazine) during family reading time.
Talk about what you’re reading: “This detective just found a clue!”
Leave your book on the coffee table - curiosity is contagious.
Evidence: The OECD's PISA report highlights that children with parents who read for pleasure are more likely to develop strong literacy skills in the digital age.
5. Celebrate the Joy, Not the Test
Praise the feeling, not the performance.
Try this:
“You looked so happy in your story world!”
“What was your favourite part?” (no quizzes)
High-five for finishing — even if it’s a 10-page comic.
Evidence: Clark & Rumbold (2006) showed intrinsic rewards (joy, pride) sustain reading long-term.
Age-by-Age Quick Tips
0–4 Board books, rhymes, cuddles. Let them turn pages.
5–7 Picture books, early readers. Read with them, not to them.
8–10 Chapter books, graphic novels. Let them read in bed with a torch.
11+ Series, non-fiction, audiobooks. Respect their taste (yes, even gaming guides).
* These are rough guides but you know your children best and if they are ready for a challenge then go for it!
Your 7-Day Starter Plan
Day 1 - Fill a basket with 5 books from home/library
Day 2 - 10-minute family reading after dinner
Day 3 - Let your child pick tomorrow’s book
Day 4 - Read your own book beside them
Day 5 -Ask: “What happened next?” (no pressure
Day 6 - Visit the library/book shop together
Day 7 - Celebrate: “We’re a reading family!”
Final Thought
A culture of reading for pleasure isn’t about perfect books or quiet children. It’s about joy, choice, and togetherness. Start small, stay consistent, and watch the magic grow one page at a time.
Sources & Further Reading
National Literacy Trust (2019). Children and Young People’s Reading in 2019. Link
UCL Institute of Education (2020). Children who read books daily score higher in school tests. Link
University of Sussex (2009). Galaxy Stress Research (Mindlab International). Link
OECD (2021). 21st-Century Readers: Developing Literacy Skills in a Digital World. Link
Clark, C. & Rumbold, K. (2006). Reading for Pleasure: A Research Overview. National Literacy Trust. Link