7 Smart Reading Tips For Kids (8+ Years) • love beauty thrive •

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Raising a young reader? You’ll need the best reading tips for kids.

Children ages 8+ are mastering the basics, developing stronger literacy skills and becoming more confident readers.

Grade school kids of this age may also be ready to challenge themselves with more complex and varied reading material (bringing their skills up to the next level).

We’ve put together a list of seven smart reading tips for kids (8+ years) to help keep them motivated, engaged, and in love with reading (as they advance those skills even more).

Here are some of the best reading tips for children (ages 8+).

MAKE IT FUN

If you want kids to love reading, make it fun. Screens are tempting. Keep kids interested in books by choosing funny ones that make them laugh (or fantastical ones that boost their imagination). Go for funny and you’ll have them hooked.

TAKE TURNS

Independent reader? This doesn’t mean they should always read alone. There are many benefits of reading together even after learning to read (e.g., making memories, and hearing your fluency, rhythm, tone and expression). Designate a special book series to read together. Take turns reading it to each other out loud.

I take turns reading out loud with my children every night. Our current favourite is the hardcover, illustrated editions of the Harry Potter series. These stunningly beautiful editions of the Harry Potter books have full colour, gorgeous illustrations by award-winning artist Jim Kay (my kids love the magical artwork).

Get your copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Illustrated Edition).

READ & DISCUSS

Another option? Both read the same book on your own. After, get together (plan a special snack or treat) for a discussion of the story. It’s the perfect way to spend time with your child (and improve reading comprehension). Nonfiction choices also make for great discussions.

Some questions to ask: What was your favourite part? Who was your favourite character? Did anything surprise you? If you could rewrite this book, would you change the ending? How?

JOIN A BOOK CLUB

Bring your discussions to the next level by joining a book club! A children’s, parent and child, online (with parental oversight), or library book club are all great considerations. If interested, encourage your child to start their own book club in class (with their teacher’s support) or with friends. Classic children’s chapter books or book series are ideal book club picks.

BOOK TO MOVIE NIGHTS

Get the popcorn! Read the book, then watch the movie. Choose a book to read together that’s been brought to life on screen (a special movie night is the perfect motivation to read and finish a book). Discuss with your child the book to movie comparisons. What was the same? What was different? Did the characters, settings, and plot come to life how they imagined?

ALL READING COUNTS

Books, ebooks, magazines, comics, websites, graphic novels, joke or fact books, activity or crafting books – it all counts. As long as it’s suitable and age appropriate, then it’s beneficial reading material. If they’re reading and loving it, then it’s perfect content (chapter book or not)!

REVIEW THE BASICS

Struggling reader? Every child learns at a different pace. Make sure you’ve covered the basics (and talk to your child’s teacher if you have any concerns). Check out our posts on helping to develop reading skills (and interests) with grade school kids (6-8 years), kindergarteners, preschoolers, infants and toddlers, and even newborns (you can never start too early).

7 Best Reading Tips For Kids (6-8 Years)
5 Smart Ways To Help Kindergarteners Develop Strong Reading Skills
6 Brilliant Tips To Foster A Love Of Reading In Preschoolers
3 Important Guidelines On Introducing Reading Skills To Infants & Toddlers
6 Loving Tips On Reading To Newborns & Why It’s Never Too Early