What Are Some Simple and Creative Ways to Build a Love of Reading at Home?
By Julie Diamond, Founder & CEO Diamond Teachers Group
Before we dive into creative ways to celebrate literacy at home, you might also enjoy this related post on practical and engaging strategies to check your child’s reading comprehension at home.
Literacy is about so much more than decoding words on a page. It is about connection, curiosity, imagination, and confidence. When families create meaningful literacy experiences at home, children begin to see reading not as a task, but as something that belongs to them. With Family Literacy Day on January 27, it is the perfect time to reflect on how literacy already shows up in your home and explore a few new ways to celebrate it together.
The good news is that supporting literacy does not require expensive programs or rigid routines. Small, thoughtful changes can make a big impact.
Create a Family Bookshelf Together
One of the simplest ways to celebrate literacy is to make books visible and valued. Set up a family bookshelf that everyone contributes to. Invite each family member to choose books they genuinely enjoy. This might include novels, picture books, graphic novels, audiobooks, cookbooks, magazines, joke books, poetry, or even instruction manuals. Literacy comes in many forms, and when children see that reading serves different purposes for different people, it becomes more meaningful. This is something my family and I have started and it’s created a lot of buzz!
If you have a reluctant or struggling reader, books with strong visual support such as picture books, graphic novels, or wordless books like Flashlight Lizi Boyd can be especially empowering. These formats still build vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence without feeling overwhelming.
Let your child rearrange the shelf or create sections like “favourites,” “funny reads,” or “short and sweet.” Ownership matters, and a bookshelf that reflects the whole family sends a powerful message that reading belongs here.
Include Books in Another Language
Consider adding books in a language your family speaks or one you’re interested in learning together. This can be a wonderful way to spark curiosity about another culture while building literacy skills. Children can practice vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension in a fun, authentic context. Even if your family is just beginning to learn the language, sharing stories, songs, or picture books can make the experience playful and engaging. It’s a simple way to turn reading into an adventure and ignite excitement about learning beyond your own language.
Design a Cozy Reading Nook
The environment plays a huge role in whether children want to read. Creating a reading nook does not require a large space. A quiet corner, a soft rug, or even a spot beside a window can work beautifully. Focus on comfort and calm. Soft lighting, a small lamp, or natural light can make reading feel inviting rather than overwhelming.
A comfortable seat is key. I love a cozy beanbag chair paired with a soft blanket, but floor cushions, a rocking chair, or even a bed with pillows can work just as well. Keep a small basket of books, magazines, or word games nearby so children can easily engage with literacy without it feeling like a chore.
Start a Family Reading Hour (or 20 Minutes)
Routine helps literacy thrive. Consider starting a daily “Reading Hour” where screens are turned off and everyone reads. For elementary-aged children, even 20 minutes is incredibly effective. The key is that everyone participates, including adults.
Children learn so much from watching adults read for pleasure. You can read independently, read together aloud, or take turns reading. Some families enjoy reading the same book at the same time, while others prefer everyone to choose their own material. Reading does not have to look the same for everyone. One person might be deep in a novel, while another flips through a graphic novel or picture book. All of it counts.
Bring Stories to Life with Reader’s Theatre
If your child enjoys drama or movement, Reader’s Theatre is a wonderful way to combine literacy and creativity. Reader’s Theatre involves reading a script aloud using expression and voice, without memorizing lines or using elaborate costumes. Children take on different roles and focus on fluency, pacing, and emotion.
You can find Reader’s Theatre scripts online (here are some examples for kiddos in grades 1-6) or create your own by turning a favourite book, fairy tale, or even a familiar TV episode into dialogue. Siblings or family members can each take a role, or one child can play multiple characters. This approach builds confidence, comprehension, and expressive reading skills in a fun, low-pressure way.
Make Literacy Playful with Games and Everyday Activities
For children who are hesitant about reading, word-based games can be a powerful bridge. Games like Wordle, Bananagrams, Scrabble, or simple card games with words help build spelling, vocabulary, and pattern recognition without the pressure of “reading a book.”
You can also weave literacy into daily life by:
Writing grocery lists or notes together
Reading recipes and cooking as a team. I just got a new cookbook by Jenn Lueke and my family and I have been cooking recipe after recipe together. 🙂
Listening to audiobooks or podcasts in the car and talking about the story.
Creating a “story jar” with characters, settings, and problems.
Encouraging kids to make their own books, comics, or journals. Here is a free comic book template I found online.
These activities reinforce that literacy is not confined to schoolwork. It is part of everyday living.
Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection
Building literacy is a journey. Some days reading will feel easy and joyful. Other days it may feel like work. Both are normal. As I always stress, it’s important to celebrate effort, curiosity, and growth rather than focusing on levels, speed, or comparison.
As Family Literacy Day on January 27 approaches, take a moment to notice the literacy moments already happening in your home. With a few intentional practices and a lot of encouragement, you can create a literacy-rich environment where every family member feels empowered to shine.
How are YOU celebrating literacy at home? Shoot me an email and let me know.