March is National Reading Month. Any time is a good time to teach the joys of reading.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, one in five U.S. adults is “functionally illiterate” and cannot:
- Understand a written book, article, or blog post;
- Fill out a social-services or job application;
- Figure out and follow written instructions;
- Effectively search the internet or other reference sources.
What Does It Mean to Read “Well Enough”?
“Functional” illiteracy doesn’t mean total lack of reading and writing skills: it means that these skills aren’t developed enough for someone to stay informed, get a job, or handle other independent-living tasks. Surprisingly, many people with functional illiteracy had a typical public-school education.
So, one important step toward universal literacy is to ensure that reading is taught effectively in schools. (For children with ADHD, dyslexia, IDD, low vision, or similar disabilities, this also means reasonable accommodations to make reading easier.) Another important step is helping children want to learn.
In today’s article, we share ideas and technology to keep your children (or class) interested in reading.
#1: Set the Example
Non-reading children often have non-reading parents. If your children never see you enjoying a book, they’re unlikely to see much point in learning to read.
And even if you’re a great reader, don’t force yourself to read everything on the bestseller list. Or the classics list. Or anything else just because it’s “good literature.” If you don’t really like what you’re reading, you send the message, “This is a chore, not a pleasure.”
#2: Have Fun with Your Kids
If your own reading skills aren’t everything you’d wish, don’t be afraid to admit it. Try learning with your kids by reading aloud together. Turn off the television one night a week, and pass a book or e-reader around the family circle. Give everyone a turn reading to the others.
And if you “don’t have time” for reading—or for your kids? Then it’s time to rethink your schedule. (A digital calendar or personal-organization app can help put things in order. Many apps also share family schedules between devices.)
Also remember: talking person-to-person still counts. “There’s no substitute for conversations with children,” says Amy Fuchs, BridgingApps Program Manager and former special-education teacher. “Talk about what they can read, share with them what you’re reading, focus on the positive. Kids pick up what you’re talking about.”
#3: Recommend Reading Materials They Will Like
Again, no one should treat reading as a chore. Or as just a “rote learning” tool. Or, worst of all, as a template to force every brain into. Ask anyone who grew up dyslexic and constantly heard, “What’s wrong with you?” when the words just didn’t look right to them.
You may not be able to change your school system’s model for teaching reading; but you can help children see reading-in-general as a positive experience.
- Look for books and stories that match their interests. Recommend a few, and encourage them to explore other options on their own.
- Where a struggling reader is too old for “picture books,” search for age-appropriate topics under “High/Low Books,” “Hi-Lo Books,” or “High Interest, Low Reading Level.”
- Also consider what media the kids prefer: traditional books, graphic stories, e-books, audiobooks, hybridized audio-visual options? (For more on the last item, see section #5 below, also “Teacher Tech Table: Ear Reading.”)
#4: Know About Tech Tools
For assistive-technology reading apps, Amy Fuchs recommends:
- Apps for National Reading Month 2025 (from BridgingApps Lists)
- Epic
- Reading Train Starter
Reading teachers may also want to look at:
- AAC Literacy Planner
- Monarch Reader
- PRC-Saltillo
- Digital whiteboards and other interactive tools for groups
#5: Keep it Individual-Oriented
Individual is the key word: Individual reading lists, individual reading preferences, individual reading experiences.
The best options work for everyone while also adjusting to individual users. Try an app that combines visual text with audio reading, highlighting the written words as they’re read. Says Amy Fuchs: “In a traditional classroom, when a teacher reads a book, everybody hears the same thing on the same level. With tech, everyone still receives the same information, but in individualized formats. I’ve seen personally how hearing something read correctly, while also looking at it, can help fluency and vocabulary.”
Bonus Section: More Activities to Help Children Love Reading
- Attend special events at the library.
- Let kids design digital avatars based on their favorite stories or characters.
- Let kids create their own stories from writing prompts (e.g., “Write a story about what you’d like to happen next Saturday”). “I definitely think that writing their own stories helps kids become better readers,” says Amy Fuchs.
- Visit our App Search Tool section to find more reading-related apps.