As summer winds down and school ramps up, families often find themselves searching for ways to stay connected. Sports practices, homework, and earlier bedtimes can make it hard to prioritize family bonding. That’s why September is the perfect month to start a family reading challenge.
Why Reading Together Matters
Reading as a family goes beyond improving literacy skills. It creates shared experiences, sparks conversations, and builds traditions. Children who see their parents enjoying books are more likely to view reading as a lifelong habit.
Even better, family reading challenges are flexible. You don’t need expensive supplies, apps, or subscriptions—just a library card and a willingness to make reading a part of your daily routine.
How to Start a Family Reading Challenge
Begin by setting a goal that works for your family. Maybe it’s reading 20 books together in September, or tracking minutes read each night. Head to the Salisbury Public Library and let each family member choose their own books. Giving children the freedom to pick stories that interest them—whether it’s dinosaurs, fairy tales, or graphic novels—helps them feel invested.
For busy evenings, audiobooks are a lifesaver. With apps like Libby or Hoopla, families can listen to stories together while cooking dinner, commuting, or winding down before bed. Suddenly, screen-free family time feels easy and natural.
Fun Ways to Keep Motivation High
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Sticker Charts: Keep a chart on the fridge and let kids add a sticker each time they finish a book.
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Book Baskets: Create a special basket for bedtime reading, filled with library picks and family favorites.
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Family Rewards: Celebrate milestones with a trip to the park, a special dessert, or even a family movie night based on a book.
Reading at Bedtime vs. On-the-Go
Bedtime reading has long been a cherished tradition, but families don’t have to limit stories to the end of the day. A short chapter over breakfast or an audiobook on the way to school can transform ordinary moments into story time. The key is consistency, not timing.
Building a Legacy of Learning
When families read together, children begin to understand that books are more than school assignments. They are windows into new worlds, problem-solving tools, and sources of comfort. Parents, too, benefit from rediscovering stories they may have loved as children—or from learning something new right alongside their kids.
September is all about establishing healthy routines, and a reading challenge is one of the most rewarding ones you can create. It’s free, flexible, and strengthens both literacy and family connection. At the end of the month, your children won’t just remember the books they read—they’ll remember the time they spent with you.
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