The end of summer always brings a mix of excitement and chaos. School buses return to the streets, sports practices start up, homework takes over the dining table, and your calendar quickly fills with activities. For many people, this shift in routine means reading time suddenly shrinks.
But here is the good news. You can still enjoy books even during the busiest back-to-school season. It just takes a little planning, some creativity, and a willingness to embrace new ways of reading. Whether you are a parent helping your kids adjust to their new schedules, a teacher balancing lesson plans and grading, or a student navigating a pile of assignments, these 15 tips will help you keep your reading life alive and thriving.
15 Tips to Read More During School Season
1. Embrace the Power of Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a lifesaver when your schedule is packed. They let you enjoy books while your hands and eyes are busy. You can listen during your commute, while folding laundry, cooking dinner, or even during a workout.
The key is to keep your audiobook app ready to go. Have your current book downloaded so you can press play the moment you have a free minute. Some people worry they will not be able to focus while multitasking, but you will be surprised how quickly your brain adapts.
If you want to make the most of this tip, choose lighter reads or books with engaging narrators during especially hectic weeks. That way, it feels like an enjoyable escape rather than another task on your list.
2. Keep a Book in Multiple Spots
One of the easiest ways to read more is to make sure a book is always within reach. Keep a paperback in your bag, an ebook on your phone or e-reader, and a book on your nightstand. That way, you never waste those small windows of free time.
Waiting for your child’s music lesson to end? Read a chapter. Standing in a long line at the grocery store? Open your ebook app. You might think these moments are too short to matter, but over a week, they can add up to an entire book.
3. Turn Waiting Time into Reading Time
The back-to-school season is filled with waiting. You might be in the carpool line, at the doctor’s office for sports physicals, or on the sidelines of a soccer practice. Instead of scrolling through social media, use that time to read.
If you feel guilty about carving out that time for yourself, remember that it is actually a great way to set an example for kids. When they see you choosing a book over your phone, it sends the message that reading is a valuable and enjoyable way to spend your time.
4. Start a Shorter Book
When you are busy, a 500-page novel can feel intimidating. Instead, choose shorter books or novellas. They give you the satisfaction of finishing something without the pressure of committing to a huge read.
Short books are perfect for those in-between moments. You might finish them in a week or two, which will keep your reading momentum going and boost your confidence that you can fit reading into your busy season.
5. Create a Cozy Evening Ritual
Back-to-school routines often mean earlier mornings, which makes it tempting to just crash at the end of the day. But even five to ten minutes of reading before bed can make a big difference.
Create a small ritual that tells your brain it is time to relax. This might include making a cup of tea, turning on a soft lamp, and curling up with your book. The key is to keep this time free from distractions, so silence your phone and let yourself sink into the story.
6. Use the Two-Page Rule
This is a trick that works wonders when you feel too busy or tired to read. Promise yourself you will read just two pages before bed or during a break.
Often, once you start, you will find yourself reading more. But even if you stop after two pages, you have kept your reading habit alive, and that is what matters most.
7. Pair Reading with Another Habit
Linking reading to something you already do daily makes it easier to remember. You could read while drinking your morning coffee, during lunch, or after brushing your teeth at night.
When reading becomes part of an existing habit, it no longer feels like something you have to make time for. Instead, it becomes a natural part of your day.
8. Join a Low-Pressure Book Club
Book clubs are a fun way to stay accountable, but during the busy back-to-school season, you want one that is flexible. Look for a club that meets monthly and is understanding if you do not finish the book.
The social connection can be just as motivating as the reading itself. Plus, you might discover books you would never have picked up on your own.
9. Let Go of Reading Rules
There is no rule that says you have to read one book at a time or finish every book you start. If you are not enjoying something, set it aside and try something else.
This season is all about making reading fit into your life, not forcing your life to fit around reading. Give yourself permission to read in whatever way works best for you right now.
10. Read with Your Kids
If you are a parent, combining family time and reading time can be a win-win. Read aloud together in the evenings or listen to an audiobook as a family during car rides.
Not only does this keep you connected to your books, but it also helps foster a love of reading in your kids. You can share stories, discuss characters, and enjoy the experience together.
11. Try Digital Reading Sprints
Set a timer for ten or fifteen minutes and read without interruption. Knowing you have a set time can help you focus. You can do this during your lunch break, right after work, or even early in the morning before the day gets going.
Some people join virtual reading sprints with friends through video calls or social media. It adds a layer of accountability and fun, almost like a reading workout session.
12. Keep a Seasonal Reading List
Make a small list of books you want to read during the back-to-school season. Having a focused selection means you will spend less time deciding what to read and more time actually reading.
You can choose a mix of genres, lengths, and formats so you always have something to fit your mood and schedule.
13. Use Public Library Holds Wisely
Libraries often have wait times for popular books, so place holds now for the ones you know you want to read. That way, you will have a steady stream of fresh books arriving throughout the season.
The excitement of picking up a new library hold can be a great motivator to make time for reading.
14. Read in the Morning
If you normally read at night but find yourself too tired, try shifting your reading time to the morning. Even ten minutes over breakfast can set a positive tone for your day.
It might mean waking up slightly earlier, but for many people, mornings are quieter and less interrupted than evenings.
15. Accept That Some Days Will Be Book-Free
Even with the best intentions, there will be days when reading just does not happen. That is okay.
The goal is not perfection but consistency over time. If you miss a day, simply pick up your book again the next day without guilt.
Final Thoughts
The back-to-school season is busy, but that does not mean you have to give up on your reading goals. By making small shifts, staying flexible, and looking for creative ways to fit books into your day, you can keep your reading life strong and joyful.
Reading does not have to be long, uninterrupted hours in a cozy chair. It can be a chapter in the car, a few pages before bed, or a story in your ears while you stir pasta. Every page counts, and every moment with a book is a gift you give yourself.
Happy Reading!
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