Ways to Motivate Students to Read over the Holidays

There are so many ways to motivate students to read over the holidays! Just as important as motivating them to read is understanding why it's crucial for students to continue reading during this time. While this time of year brings welcome rest and celebration, it also offers a wonderful opportunity to support literacy growth at home in simple, meaningful ways. Teachers, it's important to communicate this with parents and provide ways for them to motivate their children to read at home over the holidays.

Be Consistent When Motivating Students to Read over the Holidays

Consistency is key. Even just 10–20 minutes of reading each day helps children

maintain the skills they’ve built during the school year. Regular reading keeps their

minds active, strengthens vocabulary, and builds confidence—small habits that add up

to big progress.

Encourage Conversations about Reading!

The reading experience is amplified when parents talk with their children about what they read. Parents should ask questions, share their own thoughts, and let children explain their ideas. These conversations deepen understanding, build critical thinking, and help children see reading as something valuable and enjoyable!

FUN Motivates Students to Read over the Holidays

Above all, please remember that reading at home should be fun. Whether a child is

exploring picture books, chapter books, comics, or recipes, joy is one of the strongest

motivators for lifelong learning. Children should have an opportunity to choose books that spark their curiosity. When they find those books, parents have the opportunity to celebrate their interests alongside them while reading!

Nurture Family Relationships by Reading Together over the Holidays

The holiday season is also a perfect time to strengthen family connections through

reading. Reading together—whether taking turns, listening to an audiobook, or simply

sitting side by side with your own books—creates shared moments that children

remember. These experiences not only support literacy but also nurture a sense of

closeness and belonging.

Resources for Teachers

To help teachers communicate the importance of reading over the holidays, I've drafted a parent letter that explains the importance of reading over the winter holidays. It can be sent home along with literacy activities over the winter break! It's available in my new NO PREP Winter Break Packet to Support Literacy Skills. Check it out if you're looking for some easy resources to support your students' literacy progress over the winter break.