How Innovate Families Raise Readers

In a world filled with sports schedules, extracurricular activities, endless notifications, and competing screens, how do families cultivate a love of reading in their children?

We asked several Innovate Academy parents how they foster reading at home. While each family has developed its own rhythms and traditions, their responses revealed a common theme: raising readers is less about programs and more about culture.

It Starts with Modeling

Many parents pointed to the same reality: children tend to value what their parents value.

“I have been reading to my children since they were born,” shares Dr. Barcalow. “We have always had a house full of books.” Weekly trips to the library, piles of books checked out at a time, and watching Mom read regularly helped create an environment where reading felt natural rather than forced.

One of the unexpected joys of those years has been watching the habit come full circle.

“Now, they are at an age where they are reading the same chapter books that I read as a child, so I am enjoying having conversations with them about those stories.”

Jaime Agiro echoes that idea:

“Faith is caught more than taught. When I model, live out, and prioritize reading the Bible and other faith-based books, My children will follow my example.”

For these families, reading isn't merely an educational activity but a natural part of everyday life.

Creating Rhythms Around Reading

While every family's routine looks different, many parents emphasize consistency over complexity.

For the Agiro family, bedtime became an opportunity rather than a deadline.

“My girls had a set bedtime every night, but they could read for an extra thirty minutes in bed. Of course, with that option, their bedside light would stay on until the official lights-out time.”

Dr. Barcalow's family has built reading traditions around holidays and special occasions.

“We always read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas together on Christmas Eve, and we read On the Night You Were Born on their birthdays every year.”

Jisha Carver believes accessibility matters.

“Books are always available and easy to reach. We also enjoy visiting the library and participating in library programs, which our kids always look forward to.”

Whether it's a bedtime story, a family tradition, or a standing trip to the library, these families have intentionally built reading into the rhythm of everyday life.

Overcoming Obstacles

Of course, not every child becomes a passionate reader immediately. Dr. Barcalow remembers when reading did not come naturally to her oldest daughter.

“It wasn't until the middle of second grade that it really clicked for her.”

The breakthrough came when she stopped worrying about whether the books were "good enough."

“For the longest time, Piggie and Gerald were all she read. That evolved into graphic novels, and eventually she had the confidence to move on to longer, more complex chapter books.”

Today, that same child devours books.

Dr. Barcalow also discovered that removing distractions was often more effective than adding new incentives.

“We also have tech-free days at home that have truly changed the dynamic of how much we read.”

For Emily Clifford, the obstacle wasn't a reluctant reader but the pace of modern life.

“So much happens every day that it's hard for me to remember to slow down. Reading brings calmness to a crazy, loud world.”

Meanwhile, the Carver family found that intentionally limiting screen time opened up more opportunities for reading and imagination.

“Limiting screen time in general has helped create more opportunities for reading and encouraged a greater love for books.” 

Several parents echoed a similar sentiment: sometimes the most effective way to encourage reading is not adding another activity but simply creating more space for books.

Why Read More Than Just the Bible?

Every parent we spoke with deeply values Scripture, but many also discussed the unique role that fiction and historical literature play in a child's development.

For Jisha Carver, stories help children connect with characters while developing imagination and curiosity.

“When children read stories that genuinely interest and entertain them, reading feels much more enjoyable and less like a chore. It encourages imagination, curiosity, and a lifelong appreciation for books and storytelling.” 

Jaime Agiro sees reading as preparation for life in a complicated world.

“We want our children to learn how to discern truth, consider different perspectives, and be critical thinkers—especially with the rise of AI, overwhelming news feeds, and a consumer culture.”

Her family has made intentional reading a cornerstone of discipleship as well.

“Last year, I was especially inspired by the fact that Catherine Booth read the Bible eight times before she turned twelve. As a result, our entire family committed to reading through the New Testament together in 2026.” 

Emily Clifford pointed to the unique way stories help children understand difficult concepts.

“Children's books can take difficult concepts, like controlling our emotions, and make them easier for kids to understand.”

Together, these parents see reading as more than an academic skill; it is a means of cultivating wisdom, imagination, discernment, and faith.

Books That Have Shaped Our Families

When asked about favorite books, the recommendations reflected a delightful mix of classics, adventures, biographies, mythology, and faith-filled stories—proof that there is no single path to becoming a reader.

Several families recommended The Jesus Storybook Bible and The Chronicles of Narnia. Other favorites included Charlotte's Web, Winnie-the-Pooh, Green Ember, My Father's Dragon, the Magic Tree House series, Dear America, I Survived, and the Trailblazer Missionaries biographies. 

Emily Clifford even named her son Max after the beloved character in Where the Wild Things Are.

Different books. Different families. Different traditions. 

Yet the common thread remained remarkably consistent: children learn to love reading when reading becomes part of family life.

Whether it's ten minutes before bed, an audiobook in the car, a Saturday trip to the library, or a family read-aloud on the couch, these Innovate parents remind us that raising readers begins with making room for stories.

And often, the smallest habits leave the deepest imprint.