How To Encourage A Love Of Reading This Winter

Winter is the perfect season for cosy routines, quiet moments and discovering new favourite stories. However, for many dyslexic learners, reading can feel more like a source of frustration than joy. The cold months offer a wonderful opportunity to shift that experience, helping you to instil comforting, confidence-boosting reading habits that actually feel enjoyable.

Here are some of our favourite ways to encourage a love of reading in dyslexic children this winter…

1. Create a cosy, low-pressure reading space

Environment plays a big role in how children feel about reading and a warm, comfortable spot can turn reading time into something children look forward to rather than avoid. Consider choosing a cosy corner with soft lighting, blankets, and cushions and let your child help set it up, as giving them ownership over the space can make reading feel like a treat rather than a chore.

At school, even a small “reading nook” can help pupils relax and focus, particularly if reading has previously been linked with anxiety. Keep the space stocked with appealing, accessible materials, such as high-interest books, audiobooks, magazines, comics, and supportive reading tools.

2. Use tools that reduce visual stress

For many dyslexic readers, the biggest barrier isn’t interest, it’s discomfort. Visual stress can make text appear to blur, move or glare, making reading feel tiring and defeating any enjoyment. Simple tools can transform this experience, and coloured overlays help to soften harsh contrast, while reading rulers and windows support tracking and focus, reducing the feeling of “losing your place.”

These resources are small changes with a big impact, helping children read for longer and with greater ease. Offer a selection of colours so children can experiment and choose what feels most comfortable, and matching reading materials to their needs helps them build trust in reading.

3. Choose books that match their interests, not just their level

Nothing sparks reading motivation like a book that truly captures a child’s curiosity. This winter, explore topics your child naturally loves, such as dinosaurs, animals, football, mysteries, nature, space, poetry, or graphic novels.

Graphic novels and illustrated chapter books can be especially supportive for dyslexic learners. The blend of visuals and text reduces reading load without compromising storytelling quality. Meanwhile, high-interest, lower-reading-level books allow children to feel successful and engaged at the same time.

4. Make audiobooks part of the reading routine

Audiobooks help build vocabulary, comprehension, listening skills and imagination, all without the pressure of decoding text. Winter evenings are perfect for shared listening experiences, and pairing an audiobook with the printed version can be especially helpful as children can follow along visually while listening, gradually improving their decoding and fluency at a comfortable pace.

5. Read together

Children often fall in love with reading when they associate it with connection. Reading together — even just ten minutes a day — builds confidence and strengthens relationships. Take turns reading a page each, or let your child listen while you read aloud. Make sure you encourage pauses to talk about characters, make predictions or share opinions as well, but remember the aim is to make reading feel relational, not evaluative.

6. Celebrate progress, not perfection

Dyslexic readers need to feel successful, so celebrate the small things, whether that’s finishing a chapter, choosing a book independently, or using a reading tool confidently. Building confidence now helps set the tone for a positive reading journey in spring and beyond.

Final thoughts

Winter offers the perfect backdrop for nurturing a love of reading. With a cosy environment, supportive reading tools, engaging texts and a gentle approach, dyslexic learners can begin to experience reading not as a challenge, but as a source of comfort and joy.

Here at The Dyslexia Shop, we have all the tools you need to encourage a love of reading, so check out the full range today!