Tips for Parents About Reading!
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Getting your Kids to Read Might Be Easier Than You Think…
Hey friends, Katie here with one of my favorite kinds of posts—real, doable tips for parents about reading!
Whether your child is struggling and you’re not sure how to help, or they’re thriving and you want to keep that momentum going, these tips are for you. And the best part? You don’t need hours of time or a teaching degree to implement them.
Today’s post is all about setting up your home in a way that encourages independent reading and inspires a true love for books. These are small changes that can lead to big results!
Why Reading Motivation Matters - A top tip for parents
With a background in K–12 reading instruction and now as a mama teaching my own kids to read, I’ve seen the power of motivation firsthand. It’s also research-backed. When kids aren’t interested in reading—or lack confidence—it can feel like pulling teeth to get them to pick up a book. I imagine many of us are nodding our heads as we’ve maybe felt like it was like pulling teeth to get one of our own kiddos to read.
So. This is why paying attention to increasing reading motivation matters. We want reading to feel joyful and effortless for kids, not like another item on the to-do list.
That’s why one of my biggest tips for parents is to be intentional about how books are presented in your home. You don’t need a fancy library set up or to spend a lot of money on books—just a little strategy and heart.
Let’s dig into some of my favorite practical ways to organize books in your home so they actually get read. 💗
6 Tangible Tips for Parents to Help with Reading at Home
1. Create a Library Basket—And Label It!
Designate a basket for library books.
This simple habit saves us SO much time (& money—goodbye late/lost book fees!).
It also gives you permission to check out LOTS of books based on your child’s interests, knowing they have a home base where they’ll live until returned. Honestly, on our library visits, I usually let my kids pick their own books & I also choose some that I think they might like. Just bring them home to live in that basket & when they go to grab their own from there, they also see a few new ones to try out.
PRO TIP: I also love having a designated library bag to take to & from the library. Totally not necessary. But it helps us stay organized & plays a part in helping build the identity of us as a family of readers who get excited about filling a weekly bag of books. Check out my favorite library bag HERE that also provides profits to scholarship kids in need for Literacy Camp! 📚
2. Make Books Accessible—and Enticing!
Think about the places your family spends the most time and tuck books into those spots.
Try:
A few board books by the bathtub (or even waterproof books!)
Books in the kitchen to browse while dinner finishes or while waiting for the table to finish being set
Even books in the bathroom—yes, really!
Use bins or baskets to keep things tidy. Hardcovers can be lined up with spines out, while paperbacks fit nicely in baskets.
The goal? Make grabbing a book feel as easy as grabbing a toy.
3. Keep Special Books Close
If your family prioritizes Bible stories or other meaningful books, keep those in a special, easy-to-reach spot. This sends the message that these books matter and are part of everyday life—not tucked away for “someday.”
Maybe you got loads of books at your baby shower that people signed on the inside cover and you’ve been saving them as “keepsakes.”
Maybe your family saved books that were yours as a child and they’ve been living in a box in your basement somewhere.
Whatever books are meaningful to you and your family…get. them. out. Let’s stop saving books and start reading them! ✨
4. Feature Books Like a Store Display
Create a mini “bookstore” shelf where a few books are displayed face-out. Rotate them monthly to keep things fresh—holiday books, seasonal themes, or just old favorites you want to spotlight.
I know, I know…this one seems like a little more work. I promise you can skip it if you feel overwhelmed reading that. 😉
BUT - if you’re up for it…even if you only swap out the books once a quarter…You’ll be amazed how something as simple as a shelf refresh sparks curiosity and independent reading.
And outward facing books. Where kids can see the covers. This works like magic too!
5. Label Bins by Category
Sort your books into a few categories that make sense for your family.
Try bins for:
Favorite authors (like Mo Willems!)
“Our current favs”
Labeled bins give your child autonomy to choose and return books independently, just like in a classroom.
Bonus: it makes cleanup easier too and it looks cute - if you care about that sort of thing like I do. 😉
6. Make a Personalized Book Box
Let your child create their own mini library:
a cereal box
a dollar store bin
or a shoebox
Fill it with books they love or can read independently.
For younger readers, this might mean memorized favorites—they still count!
For older kids, give them freedom to build their box with titles they’re drawn to. You’ll be surprised how much ownership increases motivation.
The Unexpected Impact of Organizing Books
Here’s what you might notice:
Kids reaching for books without being asked (THIS. THIS IS MY FAV. THIS IS THE GOAL! And if it doesn’t happen right away, be patient and try not to be discouraged. Sometimes it takes time.)
More smiles and chatter about stories
Excitement around library trips
A little more peace during quiet time (yes, please!)
Fewer books scattered around—because now they have a home. Woot Woot!
And maybe best of all? You’ll be able to find the books you actually want to read with your kids!
Start Small—But Start Today
You don’t need to tackle your whole house in one day. Start with one area—a single bin, a basket near the couch, or a library basket by the door. Even a little bit of effort goes a long way here.
And don’t worry if you don’t have tons of books. Start with the library basket and fill it with free books your kids are excited about. It’s the beginning of something magical. ✨
Need help? DM me on Instagram (the_literacylady) anytime—I’m always happy to talk book organization or brainstorm ideas!
And if all of this resonated with you and you’d like more support and tips - grab my FREE guide: 9 Steps to Calm the Chaos - A Must Have Family Guide to Build a Love of Learning at Home.
It’s full of steps that are practical, simple, and designed with mamas in mind who already have full hands (and full hearts!)
✅ Create learning routines that fit your life
✅ Keep your kids engaged (without screens!)
✅ Boost your child’s confidence and love for learning
Now go gather some books, place that library hold, and start creating a home that makes reading irresistible. You’ve got this, Mama.
I’m praying for you and cheering you on!
