Reading challenge for kids: A simple and engaging way to encourage reading

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A reading challenge is a great way to encourage kids to read more, but it’s also a lovely opportunity to connect with your kids and enjoy books together.

This month, I’m sharing a simple, low-pressure reading challenge that makes reading fun, engaging, and easy to fit into your daily routine.

Whether you have a preschooler just starting to love books or an older child who enjoys independent reading, this challenge is a lovely way to make reading more fun and engaging!

Before you start: Set up a cozy reading space

To make the challenge even more exciting, I recommend creating or refreshing your child’s reading space before getting started.

You don’t need anything fancy! Just a comfortable spot to sit (a sofa, armchair, bean bag, or even a few cozy pillows on the floor) and a dedicated place for books (a small bookshelf, a basket, or a table).

If you have multiple kids, consider preparing one book basket for each child, so they always have easy access to books that match their age and reading level.

Choose your reading challenge

This month, I’ve created two different reading challenges so you can choose the one that works best for your child.

A 30-day challenge – Perfect for kids ages 3+, where you read a book every day.

A Reading Bingo challenge – Ideal for kids 5+, featuring 24 creative reading ideas to try.

Pick the challenge that works best for your family, and follow the steps below to set it up quickly and start enjoying it with your kids!

Option 1: The 30-Day Reading Challenge

This challenge is simple, flexible, and fun — the goal is to read every day for 30 days.

How to set up this challenge:

Print the challenge poster and reading tracker (at the end of the article) and display them in your child’s reading space for easy access.

Decide how to track the books: You can choose all 30 books in advance and fill in the titles on the poster before starting, or fill in the titles throughout the month as a reading log of all the books your child reads.

For older kids who read chapter books, set a daily reading goal based on chapters or pages instead of full books.

Make it fun and easy

✔️ Let your kids know about the challenge and invite them to read every day for 30 days.

✔️ Keep the reading goal realistic and simple: One picture book a day for young kids and a chapter or a specific number of pages per day for older kids.

✔️ Set a dedicated reading time each day (e.g., before dinner, after school, or at bedtime).

✔️ At the end of each reading session, invite your child to share one thing they loved about the book (and share yours too if you read together).

✔️ Use the reading tracker to track progress but don’t stress about missing a day! Just keep reading and enjoy the journey!

✔️ Celebrate the challenge: Plan a fun way to celebrate when they complete the challenge —whether it’s a book-related surprise, a family movie night, or anything else your kids would enjoy.

Option 2: Reading Bingo Challenge

This challenge is a fun way to mix things up by completing a bingo board with 24 unique reading ideas.

How to set up this challenge:

Print the bingo board (at the end of the article) and display it somewhere visible.

Decide how to choose books: Prepare a few books in advance based on the categories or let your kids find books that fit the challenge at the library.

Make it fun and easy

✔️ Let your kids know about the challenge and invite them to complete the bingo card throughout the month.

✔️ Set a dedicated reading time each day (e.g., before dinner, after school, or at bedtime).

✔️ At the end of each reading session, invite your child to share one thing they loved about the book (and share yours too if you read together).

✔️ Encourage creativity: Your kids can mix it up — reading independently, reading aloud, or even listening to an audiobook for some categories.

✔️ Celebrate when they complete the board! Choose a fun way to reward their effort — like a movie night, a small prize, or anything else your kids would enjoy.