Reading at home

My child is too young to learn to read yet, but what can I do to set them off in the right direction?

Make sure that your child is familiar with language and books so that they can see how enjoyable reading is. Some of the things you can do include:
• Reading aloud to your child, talking about the words and pictures, and sharing ideas about the book
• Reading yourself: Children who see adults reading, and enjoying reading, are much more likely to want to read themselves
• Making sure your child is surrounded by books: You don’t need hundreds of books at home, but make regular trips to the library or bookshop, not just to borrow books but to spend time together browsing and learning to make choices. In this way, reading becomes a habit.

Most importantly, talk to your child. Spend time with them, doing simple activities (cooking, making something, building a model). As you talk about what you’re doing, you are helping them to learn new words. Later, when they see words written down, they have already heard them and know what they mean.

​

Reading with your child

Sharing a book can be a bonding experience and for young children, cuddling up with a parent to read a book can be a special time. Reading is important, but don’t feel that you have to take the role of your child’s teacher or put pressure on your child to start to read before they go to school. It’s great to instil a love of books and language from an early age, but most of all, be led by your child and their interests and pace of development.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

1. Make books a part of family life – Always have books around at home. That way you and your children are ready to get reading, even if it’s only for ten minutes.
 

2. Join your local library – Get your child a library card. They’ll be able to get their hands on hundreds of fantastic books, as well as the latest video games, blu-rays and DVDs. Let them choose what they want to read to help them develop their own interests.
 

3. Read about something they’re interested in – Help your child find the right book for them. It doesn't matter if it's fiction, poetry, comic books or non-fiction. 
 

4. All reading is good – Don’t rule out non-fiction, comics, graphic novels, magazines or leaflets. Reading is reading and it’s all worthwhile.
 

5. Get comfortable! – Snuggle up together somewhere warm and cosy, whether it’s in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa. And make sure your child has somewhere comfy to read on their own too.
 

6. Ask questions – To keep them interested in the story, ask your child questions as you read. Start with ‘Where did we get to last time?’, ‘Can you remember what’s happened so far?’ and 'What do you think will happen next?'. 
 

7. Read whenever you get the chance – Have a book or magazine with you for any time your child has to wait, like at the doctor's or the dentist. 
 

8. Read favourites again and again – Encourage your child to re-read the books and poems they love. Re-reading helps to build fluency and confidence.
 

9. Enjoy bedtime stories – Read with your kids at bedtime as often as you can. It’s a great way to end the day and to spend valuable time with them.
 

10. Make the most of rhyme and repetition – Books and poems with rhymes and repeated words or phrases are great for getting your kids to join in and remember the words.