Encouraging a Love of Reading in Your Homeschool

22 July 2025

If there’s one gift you can give your child that will shape every part of their life, it’s the love of reading. Reading fuels imagination, boosts confidence, strengthens vocabulary, and opens doors to every subject out there. Whether you're homeschooling your preschooler or a high schooler, nurturing a love for books can make all the difference. But here’s the thing — it doesn't have to feel like a chore. It should feel like an adventure!

In this article, we'll walk through practical, heart-centered strategies to encourage a true love for reading in your homeschool. We'll tackle everything from finding the right books to setting up a cozy reading space, and even how to motivate reluctant readers. Ready? Let’s turn the page.

Why Reading Matters More Than Ever in Homeschooling

Ever tried building a house without a solid foundation? That’s what learning is without reading. Reading is the core of all learning — science, history, math (hello, word problems!), and even art comes alive through it.

In a homeschool setting, reading becomes even more powerful because:

- You can tailor materials to your child's reading level and interests.
- You control the pace and atmosphere.
- You’re free to go beyond textbooks and dive into real-world literature.

Plus, homeschooled kids often have more flexibility in their day-to-day, which means more opportunities to read for fun — if we play our cards right.

Start Early... But Don’t Sweat It

We’ve all seen those social media posts: “My 3-year-old reading Shakespeare!” While that’s great, it’s okay if your child isn’t blending sounds at lightning speed. The key is to start early, yes — but pressure is the quickest way to squash curiosity.

Read Aloud from Day One

Even before your child can talk, hearing your voice read stories builds their phonemic awareness and introduces them to language patterns. The rhythm, tone, and cadence of your voice are music to their ears.

Picture it like planting seeds. Each story is a drop of water, helping their future love of reading grow.

Create a Reading-Friendly Environment

Let’s be honest — if reading feels boring or stiff, it’s not going to be appealing. So let’s spice it up!

Build a Book Nook

You don’t need a Pinterest-worthy setup. A beanbag, a basket of interesting books, and a cozy blanket can go a long way. Bonus points for good lighting — maybe even some fairy lights for that magical feel.

Make Books Accessible

Keep books everywhere — living room, bathroom, car, kitchen table. When books are within reach, your child is more likely to pick one up on a whim. It becomes natural.

Rotate Books Regularly

Just like toy rotation keeps things fresh, rotating books can reignite interest. Mix in seasonal reads, new topics, or books that connect to what you’re learning in other subjects.

Choose the Right Books: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All

Not every child loves the same type of stories. Just like we all have different music tastes, kids have different reading preferences.

Follow Their Interests

Dinosaurs? Superheroes? Ballet? Outer space? Use their passions as a reading springboard. If your child is obsessed with trains, find every train-themed book you can. Fiction or nonfiction — if it grabs their attention, it works.

Don’t Stick to "Baby Books"

Even young readers can fall in love with rich language and deeper themes. Don’t be afraid to read books slightly above their level aloud. It exposes them to new vocabulary and ideas, even if they can’t read it themselves yet.

Try Different Formats

Graphic novels, audiobooks, picture books, pop-up books, magazines — they all count! Audiobooks are fantastic for road trips or while doing chores. And graphic novels? They're real reading, filled with visual comprehension and deep storytelling.

Make Reading a Shared Experience

Reading doesn’t have to be a solo act. In fact, some of the best reading memories involve sharing stories together.

Daily Read-Aloud Time

Even older kids benefit from being read to. Choose family read-alouds that you can all enjoy together. (Think: Charlotte’s Web, Narnia series, or My Side of the Mountain).

Read while snuggled on the couch with popcorn or cocoa. It’s more than just academics — you’re making family memories.

Book Clubs at Home

Start a mini book club with your child or organize one with other homeschool families. Take turns picking books, then meet up for discussions, crafts, or themed snacks.

Tackle the Reluctant Reader... Gently

Every homeschool has at least one kiddo who just isn’t into reading — yet. Don’t panic. The way forward isn’t through stricter rules, but more curiosity.

Chill on the Pressure

Let them choose books even if they seem silly or too easy. The goal is confidence and enjoyment. The rest will follow naturally.

Use Reading Incentives

Sometimes kids need a little nudge. Create a reading bingo, offer small rewards, or let them earn screen time through reading. But use rewards wisely — they should be fun, not bribes.

Model the Joy of Reading

Your kids need to see YOU reading, too. Whether it’s a novel, a cookbook, or a blog post — seeing you enjoy reading sends a powerful message: reading is worth it.

Integrate Reading Across Subjects

This is where homeschooling shines. Reading doesn’t have to be just a “reading lesson.” You can slip it into every subject.

Science? Read biographies of famous scientists or picture books about volcanoes.

History? Historical fiction can bring the past to life better than any timeline.

Math? Story-based math books make problems more engaging.

That way, reading is never isolated. It’s simply part of living and learning.

Let Them Read for Fun — Always

This one’s big. Sometimes, we get so tied up in reading levels, comprehension tests, or curriculum that we forget the joy part.

Let your kids pick books just for fun. No tests. No discussions. No assignments. Just reading for the sheer magic of it.

Celebrate Reading Milestones

Got a kid who finished their first chapter book? Treat it like they won the Super Bowl! Celebration builds motivation.

Here are a few ideas:

- Make a reading chart and celebrate milestones with stickers or treats.
- Host “book parties” when they finish a series.
- Share their accomplishments with family or in your homeschool group.

Build a Book-Rich Culture in Your Home

What if your home felt like a mini-library or a place where books were part of the daily rhythm of life?

Talk About Books Often

Ask questions at dinner: “What’s the most interesting thing you read today?” or “If you could jump into any story, which one would it be?”

Visit Libraries and Bookstores

Regular library visits are like field trips for the imagination. Let them explore, participate in storytime, and even apply for their own library card.

Support Their Bookish Creativity

Encourage them to write book reviews, draw characters, act out scenes, or even write their own stories. Reading leads to creating.

Don’t Be Afraid to Put a Book Down

Not every book is a winner — and that’s okay. If your child starts a book and loses interest, don’t force them to finish it just for the sake of it.

Quitting a book can actually be empowering. It teaches them to listen to their preferences and make thoughtful choices about their reading.

The Long Game: Raising Lifelong Readers

Encouraging a love of reading in your homeschool isn’t about producing early readers or nailing test scores. It’s about fostering curiosity, connection, and confidence.

Some kids devour books overnight. Others bloom slowly. Either way, your job is to light the spark and keep it glowing — with encouragement, patience, and lots of good stories.

Remember, when reading becomes a relationship rather than a requirement, everything changes.

So take a deep breath, grab a good book, and curl up with your kiddos. The next chapter in your homeschool adventure is waiting to be read — together.

Bonus: 15 Book Suggestions to Inspire Young Readers

Here are a few tried-and-true favorites across different ages:

Early Readers (Ages 4–7)

- “Elephant & Piggie” series by Mo Willems
- “The Bear Books” by Karma Wilson
- “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina

Middle Grade (Ages 8–12)

- “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
- “Percy Jackson” series by Rick Riordan
- “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown

Tweens and Teens

- “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
- “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio
- “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

And hey — don’t skip the classics either. Mix them in with modern reads for a well-rounded bookshelf.

Final Thoughts

Building a culture of reading doesn’t happen overnight. But with intention, joy, and a little creativity, your homeschool can become a haven for lifelong readers. Not because they have to, but because they want to.

Reading isn’t just a subject — it’s a superpower. And with your guidance, your kids will wield it like the brave, curious, and inspired learners they’re meant to be.