Can Play Make Reading Fun? Exploring How Games Support Reading Habits in Kids

The struggle with reading: more common than you think

You're not alone. If your child resists reading homework or finds it hard to focus on a book, know that many parents experience the same frustration — and guilt. You've probably tried a stack of early readers, reading aloud, sticker charts, maybe even bribes. But what if the secret wasn’t more pressure, but more play?

Why reading feels like a chore to some children

Between school expectations and pressure to perform, reading can quickly turn into a source of stress rather than pleasure. Some children struggle with decoding words. Others get overwhelmed by long passages or they simply don’t see the point. The idea of sitting still and flipping through a book when they could be building Minecraft worlds or watching animated series feels... well, boring.

But here’s the truth: kids can learn to love reading, especially if it’s associated with curiosity, creativity, and — surprisingly — gameplay.

Reading through play: more than just fun

When reading becomes interactive, driven by choice, and connected to a story they care about, children become more engaged — and engagement is the first step toward learning. This is where reading through play shows its potential. Whether it’s a board game with storytelling elements or a digital experience that encourages language, play invites children to interact with words in a low-pressure, joyful way.

In fact, studies have shown that when narrative-based games are introduced in learning environments, children show improved comprehension and retention. You can explore more about that in our article on how children learn differently with narrative video games.

What does “reading through play” look like in real life?

Let’s break it down into real-world moments:

• Storytelling card games: These challenge kids to imagine characters, settings, and plot twists. They're reading and creating narratives, all while playing.
• Word-based board games: Think of games like Scrabble or Boggle—fun, fast, and great for reinforcing vocabulary and spelling.
• Interactive audiobooks: Children follow along with characters, sound effects, and immersive storytelling, often without realizing how much they're absorbing.
• Story-driven video games: Some games require reading dialogue or instructions to move forward, building a connection between literacy and reward. This article on how video games affect learning pace might help explain how that dynamic works.

But does it really work?

Parents sometimes worry that games are a distraction, not a tool. But play has long been recognized as a powerful way for children to learn. When play incorporates stories, challenges, or language, it subtly shifts reading from something they “have” to do into something they “get” to do.

That doesn’t mean tossing out books. Rather, it means giving children more paths into the world of reading — paths that match how they think, feel, and learn. If your child thrives on movement or sound, tapping into playful, auditory or visual storytelling makes all the difference.

Using storytelling apps to support playful reading

Not all screen time is mindless. In fact, tools like LISN Kids — an app offering original audiobooks and audio series for kids aged 3 to 12 — can be an excellent way to foster a love of storytelling. Whether in the car or during bedtime, your child can engage with rich, age-appropriate narratives that develop listening comprehension and spark imagination.

iOS | Android

Audio can also improve concentration and inspire reluctant readers to explore the written version of what they’ve heard. It’s a gentle bridge between the playful and the practical.

How to start at home — without turning your living room into a classroom

Don't overthink it. Start small and stay consistent. Here are a few ways to weave playful reading into your routine:

• Let your child invent a bedtime story and take turns narrating parts. Then ask them to draw it or write it out the next day.
• Create a scavenger hunt using printed out clues with rhymes or simple instructions.
• Pair reading with movement. Is your child super active? Act out parts of a story scene together after reading or listening to it.
• Use video games that rely on dialogue or decision-making to practice reading. Need inspiration? See our article on helping your child find balance with games.

And remember, it’s not about making every minute educational. It’s about making reading feel rewarding — even if it’s folded inside a game.

Reading is more than books — it's connection

As a parent, your goal isn’t to have a child who “finishes chapter books on their own by age 9.” Your goal is to raise a child who is curious, who asks questions, who enjoys stories — in any form. Whether they arrive at reading through a page, a game, or a speaker, they’re learning to love words.

In this broader view of literacy, games don’t distract—they invite. And when we invite children into reading in ways that make sense to them, magic can happen.

Want more ideas on combining screen time with learning? You might enjoy our guide on encouraging active learning, even with a screen.