Everyone is different, and we all like different things – different food, different music, different TV programmes. That’s what keeps life interesting. It’s the same when it comes to reading – not everyone enjoys reading the same thing.

If you want to help your child to enjoy reading, one of the best things you can do is help them explore all kinds of different reading material and encourage them to read whatever they are interested in, even if it’s not something you enjoy yourself.

Books
When we talk about reading, the first thing most people think of is books, and usually they think about books with a story in. A lot of children enjoy reading story books, and there are so many different kinds: adventure, humour, horror, science fiction, historical, mystery, and more. There are special books for very young children with cloth pages, or that you can take in the bath, as well as board books, lift-the-flap books and picture books.

Not everyone wants to read a story. A lot of children (particularly boys) prefer factual books about a topic that interests them (football, animals, science) or about a person they admire. Or they might like a joke book, poetry, how-to books (e.g. how to do football tricks or science experiments), graphic novels or manga, or books about their favourite TV or film character (like Doctor Who). There’s a book out there for everyone!

It’s not all about books
At Words Unite, we believe that there is no such thing as the ‘wrong thing to read’ (unless it’s something with unsuitable content). If your child isn’t keen on books, they might enjoy comics, magazines, newspapers, sports programmes, or suitable websites.

As long as your child is enjoying reading, it doesn’t matter what they enjoy. And if they won’t pick up a book today, it doesn’t mean they never will. Just encourage them to keep on reading, and be positive!