There’s something magical about the back-to-school season. New lunchboxes, fresh pencils, and that hopeful feeling that this is the year you’ll finally get your routines in order. It is also the perfect time to make reading a priority, not just for the kids, but for the whole family.

Creating a family reading plan for the new school year is more than a clever idea; it is a perfect way to take some time out, create new memories, and turn books into the heart of your weekly rhythm. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone. At Once Upon a Book Club, we’re here to help with subscription boxes, resources, and page-turning fun for every age group.

Why a Family Reading Plan Works

A strong family reading plan gives structure to busy days and encourages everyone (grown-ups included) to spend intentional time with stories. It models great habits, supports independent reading, and turns literacy into something your kids look forward to.

There is so much research showing that when families read together, children are more likely to develop their language skills and a love of books. So, while it may start with a simple reading schedule, the benefits are endless. We love that something as exciting as reading has a profoundly positive impact on children, from helping them academically to improving their emotional growth, and, let’s not forget, strengthening those family bonds.

 

5 Steps to Create a Reading Plan That Works for Everyone

1. Set Shared and Individual Reading Goals

The best way to get started is by discovering what everyone wants to read this year. Maybe your tween wants to finish an adventure series. Your teen is eyeing a YA thriller. You’re hoping to sneak in a few pages before bed. Whatever the goal, make sure it is personal and specific to each family member.

You can use our Digital Reading Journal to track your books, pages read, and even favorite quotes. Encourage everyone to set a goal for the month or school semester. Want to add a little motivation? Create a reward system—maybe a movie night or a new sticker every time a book is finished.

Tip: For young readers, the Tween Reading Passport is a great way for your tween to see their progress in a fun and interactive way.

 

2. Designate a Weekly Family Reading Night

Between sports practice, homework, and the occasional meltdown over missing socks, it can feel impossible to find time for family reading. That’s why choosing one dedicated night a week can make a big difference.

Pick an evening that works best—maybe Thursday nights become “Books & Snacks Night” at your house! Put on soft music, serve your favorite snacks, and let each family member read aloud a page or a section they loved, or even just chat about their current read. You don’t have to be reading the same book; sometimes, just sharing the same space and the love of story is all it takes.

Need a little inspiration? We loved how @motherof_spartans created a special mother-daughter reading night using her Once Upon a Book Club box. With cozy vibes, thoughtful conversation, and surprise unboxings, she turned just another evening into a special tradition. It is proof that a weekly reading night can be whatever your family needs: relaxed, memorable, and totally your own!

For more ideas on creating a reading-friendly home, check out our blog Creating a Literacy-Friendly Home Environment.

3. Use Subscription Boxes to Spark Interest

Sometimes the hardest part about reading is figuring out what to read. That’s where our book subscription boxes come in. Whether your family includes curious tweens, passionate young adults, or busy adults, we have something for everyone.

• Tween Book Subscription Boxes: Perfect for ages 9 to 12, these boxes include a newly released book and surprise gifts that bring the story to life.
  
  

• YA Book Subscription Boxes: For teens 14 and up, or adults who love a good coming-of-age tale or fantasy adventure.
  
  

• Adult Book Subscription Boxes: Thoughtful, immersive, and always surprising.

Our books are curated with care, and the wrapped gifts linked to page numbers make reading feel magical. They are a built-in reason to keep turning pages and a delightful way to keep everyone engaged all year long.

4. Create a Shared Reading Space

Find a cozy corner of your home where everyone can relax with a good book. It doesn’t have to be fancy; a soft chair, comfy big cushions, a pile of blankets, a bookshelf, and a lamp will do the trick. We have some great bookish accessories just waiting for you!

Consider adding reading journals, a family reading calendar, or a chart where everyone can log what they are reading. Want to make it even more fun? Let your kids help decorate the space with posters, pillows, or their own reading trackers.

And don’t forget accessories that celebrate progress, like our Sticker Collector Water Bottle or Sticker Collector Poster! These are great for tracking reading milestones in a visual, kid-friendly way.

5. Celebrate Progress Together

The key to making your family reading plan stick? Make it fun and rewarding. Celebrate the small wins. Finished a book? High five! Read together for three weeks in a row? Plan a themed movie night. Everyone reached their monthly goal? Treat yourselves to a visit to your favorite bookstore or a new Ready-to-Ship Book Box.

Small incentives make a big impact, especially when reading becomes associated with joy and connection. Try a reading-themed dinner, a “reading hero of the week” award, or a photo wall of completed books.

 

Make It a Tradition That Lasts

Back-to-school reading does not have to stop when September ends. Make your plan something the family looks forward to all year. Set up a seasonal reading tradition, maybe a spooky read for October, a winter classic in December, or a feel-good novel in the spring.

You can even let each family member choose a themed box every few months from our Ready-to-Ship Book Boxes collection. With stories and surprises for all ages, it’s an easy way to keep things fresh and exciting.

Or start a monthly family book club where one person picks the book and leads the discussion. Rotate through the family and let everyone take the spotlight; it is a great way to boost confidence and listening skills while having fun. And trust us, you will get to know each other on a whole new level!

Ready to Read Together?

Creating a family reading plan for the new school year is one of the simplest and most rewarding traditions you can establish. It helps kids see reading as more than homework; it becomes something they get to share with the people who matter most.

Whether your child is in middle grade or high school, there’s a place for them in your family reading plan. So grab a calendar, download our Reading Journal, and let the stories begin.

With Once Upon a Book Club as your reading partner, you’re not just planning, you’re planting the seeds for a lifetime of imagination, empathy, and connection. Here’s to creating memories with new stories, exciting unboxings, and a lot of family fun. Happy reading from all of us at Once Upon a Book Club!

 

Sources

Clark, C. (2019). Children and young people’s reading in 2017/18: Findings from our Annual Literacy Survey (Research Report No. ED598400). National Literacy Trust. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED598400.pdf