How to Use Video Games as a Stepping Stone to Reading

Rethinking Screen Time: From Controller to Book

If you’re like many parents, you’ve probably spent more than a few evenings worrying about your child’s relationship with screens. You may have felt that familiar tug-of-war between homework battles and the irresistible pull of video games. But what if you could flip the script? What if the time they spend gaming could become a gateway—to books, to storytelling, and even to a deeper love of reading?

Gaming and Literacy: An Unexpected Connection

It’s not uncommon to hear concerns about how video games might impact children's listening or reading skills. But not all games are the same, and not all screen time is created equal. Many video games today are rich with storylines, character development, dialogue, and problem-solving opportunities. These elements can be powerful tools in stimulating the same skills needed for reading: comprehension, inference, prediction, and vocabulary building.

One example? Games like Zelda or Animal Crossing often require players to read character dialogues, follow multi-step missions, and understand narrative arcs—tasks that mirror the mental activities used during reading. Some platforms even offer narrative-driven adventures where reading is necessary to progress, transforming text into a natural and motivating part of the experience.

Understanding Your Child’s Gamer Profile

The key is to start with what your child already loves. Do they gravitate toward fast-paced action games, strategic puzzles, or exploration-based adventure worlds? Knowing their preferences allows you to guide them toward games that are not only fun but also rich in storytelling and literacy elements.

For example, if your child enjoys logic or puzzle-solving, games that build on problem-solving narratives can offer both entertainment and a bridge into fiction. In fact, some of the best logic-building games for ages 6–12 also support key cognitive and comprehension skills used in reading.

Storytelling Is Everywhere—Even in Games

Helping your child notice and appreciate the stories woven into their favorite games can make a big difference. Ask them open-ended questions: "Why do you think that character made that choice?" or "What do you think will happen next?" These simple, conversation-based strategies can reinforce sequencing skills, character analysis, and plot prediction—the same skills that help with reading comprehension.

This is especially helpful for children who may feel frustrated or overwhelmed when finding their place in a traditional book. Connecting their interests in game narratives to books that reflect similar themes can create an immediate sense of relevance. If your child loves fantasy games, consider introducing them to adventures like The Magic Tree House or graphic novel series written around quests or mythical worlds.

From Visuals to Vocabulary

Visual storytelling in games can offer a scaffold for kids who struggle with decoding text. They tend to internalize plot structures, understand visual cues, and develop empathy through non-verbal character interactions. Gradually, these visual narratives can become launching points for further exploration through books, comics, or audiobooks.

Children who resist reading can benefit enormously from pairing audio with visuals. Resources like the LISN Kids app offer Apple App Store and Google Play access to original audiobooks and immersive audio series designed for ages 3–12. These stories can echo game-like adventures or character-driven plots your child may already be attached to—offering a screen-free way to strengthen listening comprehension and story fluency.

Bridging the Gap with Interactive Play

Instead of viewing reading and gaming as separate worlds, consider how you can blend them. Interactive play, including board games, game-based learning apps, and storytelling card games, is shown to support literacy development in children who are kinaesthetic or visual learners. Some kids learn better through interactive play, and leveraging this can offer a more natural path into books.

Here are a few ways to bridge the gap:

• Encourage fan fiction—Ask your child to write or dictate what happened next in their game story.
• Create a game-inspired reading list—Find books that align with their favorite characters or themes.
• Use strategy guides—Official guides often require real reading and can motivate reluctant readers.

Setting Healthy Boundaries Without Losing Connection

Of course, balance matters. And integrating games into your literacy approach doesn't mean unlimited playtime. The goal is to be intentional. Consider co-creating a schedule where game time is earned through reading time or where evenings alternate between audiobook listening and gameplay.

Does this system work? Research and parental feedback suggest that moderate game time is compatible with learning at home. The secret lies in choosing the right kind of games and framing them as tools, not obstacles.

Final Thoughts: Connecting, Not Competing

You don’t have to be anti-video game to support literacy at home. In fact, rejecting gaming altogether might widen the emotional gap between you and your child. The better path might lie in knowing which games support learning, talking about them together, and using them as springboards into books, stories, or audio adventures.

Your child’s passion for gaming can be more than a pastime—it can be a launchpad. With the right framing, and just a bit of intention, their screen time might very well become page time.