Abigail Fishbourne, Educational Consultant and Principal at Raha International School, KCC, shares expert tips on how parents can inspire a love of reading at every age
March marks UAE Reading Month, a time to celebrate books, stories, and the joy of reading.
As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wisely said, “Help youngsters to read as it is a key to promote the development of nations. The love of reading is taught from an early age and becomes a habit and culture that you cannot live without.”
We all want our children to love reading, but it’s not always easy in a world of distractions.
The good news? Children copy what they see. If they grow up in a home where reading is commonplace, enjoyable, and part of daily life, they’re far more likely to develop a passion for books themselves.
Make reading visible
One of the biggest challenges today is that much of our reading happens on screens.
When parents read on their phones or tablets, children can’t tell whether they’re reading a book, scrolling social media, or answering emails.
A simple shift can make all the difference, hold a physical book, talk about what you’re reading, and make it clear that reading is something you enjoy.
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Encouraging reading at every age:
- Babies & Toddlers: Snuggle up with board books, rhyming stories, or touch-and-feel books. The Children’s Library at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic place to explore books together.
- Ages 3-6: Let them pick their own books, even if it’s the same one repeatedly! Use funny voices, act out stories, and visit storytime sessions at local libraries.
- Ages 7-10: Create a family reading time—everyone reads their own book simultaneously. Try audiobooks in the car or let them discover books related to their interests, whether it’s space, animals, or adventure stories.
- Tweens and teens: Encourage any kind of reading—graphic novels, magazines, or even football match reports! Events like the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and the Sharjah International Book Fair are great opportunities to meet authors and get inspired.
Reading in a multilingual home
Many children in the UAE grow up speaking two or three languages, which is an incredible advantage.
Research shows bilingual and trilingual children have stronger problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility.
Reading in multiple languages helps strengthen vocabulary and comprehension. If possible, have books in Arabic, English, and your home language; every bit of reading counts.
From reading to writing
Reading and writing go hand in hand. Encourage your child to write their own stories, draw comic strips, or keep a journal.
Even writing a book review on a sticky note can help them engage with stories on a deeper level.
The key to a lifelong love of books
The goal is simple: make reading enjoyable. If children see reading as something fun rather than a chore, they’ll be more likely to develop a lifelong love for books.
UAE Reading Month is the perfect time to start—so pick up a book, get cosy, and turn the page together!
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