Create a Reading Ritual
Being an author, I suppose it is fairly obvious, that I have a deep love and respect for books. Each book in my house is a treasured asset, beloved memory and portal to learning and imagination. But having treasured books without actually reading them is not enough. Reading is a process that goes beyond simply having the means. My teenage boys are surrounded by books, but, like the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water… but… Fostering the kind of love of books and reading that will truly make a difference in someone’s life requires the same kind of motivation we see in online gaming addictions. Gamers WANT to game, so it stands to reason that reading requires people who WANT to read. This means creating motivation, and any of you that have reluctant readers in your family will no doubt agree that getting them just to sit down with a book can sometimes be a major victory. This is where having a Reading Ritual can be that little bit of motivational magic!
1. Cultivating a Love for Reading:
Having a Reading Ritual allows you to dedicate a specific time for reading, which helps cultivate a love for books and literature. Choose a time and a place, the more regular the better. When my kids were little, we used to read together as the last thing we did before sleep every night. Cosy it up with blankets and pillows into a comfortable reading nook that you cannot resist sitting in. Have the books right there ready to go. Remember it doesn’t really matter what you enjoy reading. I read the same Terry Prachett books over and over and over; and I lost count of how many times we read Dr Seus , Hairy Maclary and Where Is The Green Sheep. When children observe their parents engaged in regular reading, they are more likely to develop an interest in reading themselves. Throw in some soft lighting, music and perhaps some hot chocolate and you have yourself more than just an opportunity to read… you have yourself a Reading Ritual. With a Reading Ritual you can build the anticipation that calls readers to the space, start a trend as the ritual moves from a singular experience to an expectation; and by sharing the joy of reading with your kids, you can introduce them to new worlds, expand their imagination, and inspire a lifelong love for books.
2. Creating Lasting Memories:
Reading together creates beautiful memories that will be cherished for years to come. Whether it is snuggling up on the couch with your little ones or having a quiet reading time for yourself, these shared experiences create a sense of closeness and warmth within the family. Be a little silly. Use the voices for characters. Add some sound effects or simple play acting and suddenly your shared reading becomes an event! The bonding that occurs during these Reading Rituals helps strengthen relationships and provides an opportunity for creating in-house jokes, meaningful conversations and a shared experience that belongs only to you and your loved ones.
3. Promoting Language and Cognitive Development:
We all know that reading aloud to children has numerous cognitive benefits too. It enhances their language skills, vocabulary, and comprehension abilities. When children actively engage in reading, they develop a deeper understanding of language patterns, storytelling structures, and critical thinking skills. For adults, reading regularly stimulates the brain, improves memory, and enhances analytical thinking. The trick to making all that happen is to build your ritual around something you already do, like sharing a mug of hot chocolate after school, or doing homework, so that you stack your new Reading Ritual onto an old habit. Habit stacking is an extremely effective way to foster all the benefits of reading for you and your family. Make reading fun and a way to connect, and all the benefits of reading suddenly become a perk.
4. Escaping into a World of Imagination:
Reading also provides a much-needed escape from screens and distractions. Reading is a kind of meditation process. It requires concentrated effort in a quiet environment. It means letting go of the narrative in your head in favour of the narrative on the page and can be provide that essential go-slow time we all crave. With a Reading Ritual, you can create a peaceful oasis where you and your children can slow down and immerse yourselves in captivating stories, exploring new ideas, and embarking on exciting adventures. This break from the digital world allows for relaxation, mindfulness, and the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with literature. What’s not to love!
“Reading is dreaming with your eyes open.”
Establishing a Reading Ritual for yourself and with your kids is a wonderful way to foster a love for reading, create lasting memories, and promote bonding within the family. By dedicating time to read together, you can cultivate a lifelong passion for books, enhance language and cognitive development, teach valuable life lessons, and escape into the world of imagination. So, grab your favourite books, create a cozy spot, and embark on this joyful journey into Reading Rituals with your loved ones today.
Monique x
Books Your Kids Will Love
If you’re thinking about starting a Reading Ritual with your family, here is a link to some books I’ve written that might be a fun place to start your journey.
Happy joy chasing x
