Finding time to read doesn't have to mean setting aside an entire afternoon. In fact, just ten minutes here and there can make a huge difference to a child's reading confidence and enjoyment. Whether you're making the most of the summer holidays or juggling busy school days during term time, those little pockets of time soon add up – and the best part is, they won't even feel like a reading session!
Here are ten simple ways to sneak in ten minutes of reading each day.
1. Before breakfast
While everyone else is getting ready, encourage your child to enjoy a few pages with their cereal or toast.
2. In the car
If you're waiting to collect a sibling, sitting in traffic or arriving early for an activity, keep a book in the car ready to go. If you get car-sick while reading pick the book up when you're stuck in a traffic jam, or a stationary in a car park.
3. Waiting around
Doctor's appointments, swimming lessons and football practice all involve waiting. A book is the perfect companion.
4. During the summer holidays
Pack a book for picnics, beach trips or visits to the park. Reading under a tree or on a picnic blanket feels like part of the adventure.
5. After lunch
A quiet 10-minute reading break can help everyone recharge before the afternoon begins.
6. Before bed
This classic routine never goes out of fashion. Reading before sleep helps children relax while building a lifelong reading habit.
7. While dinner is cooking
Instead of reaching for a screen, spend 10 minutes with a favourite story while the oven works its magic.
8. During term-time homework breaks
A short reading break between homework tasks gives tired brains a chance to reset without feeling like more work.
9. In the bathroom
Some kids just love to take their time on the toilet or in the tub. Keep a stack of less pristine books and magazines handy for when they're in the bathroom. Just remember to get them to wash their hands before and afterwards!
10. In the garden
Grab some fresh air and park them down on a comfy beanbag in the garden or yard. The change of scenery will do them good as they relax and refocus.
Keep books everywhere and make reading part of everyday life. Leave books in the living room, bedroom, backpack and even by the front door. Reading doesn't have to be a chore or a formal lesson - when books are easy to grab, reading happens naturally.
Ten minutes might not seem like much, but over a week it adds up to more than an hour of reading. Over the summer holidays or across a busy school term, those small moments help children develop stronger reading skills, grow their vocabulary and discover a genuine love of books—all without feeling like they've been asked to do extra work.