Reading is the foundation for success in all learning areas, and fostering a love of reading can make a significant difference in your child's development. Reading for enjoyment not only enhances your child's learning but also ignites their imagination, broadens their understanding of the world, and nurtures their emotional development. When children read for pleasure, they are more likely to develop strong reading habits, improve their vocabulary, and gain a deeper understanding of texts.

Key Strategies to Support Reading Development:

1. Build a Strong Vocabulary:

• Talk Often: Engage in conversations about various topics. The more words they hear, the more words they learn.
• Introduce New Words: Use rich and varied language in everyday conversations. Explain new words and encourage your child to use them in context.

• Set Aside Reading Time: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading. This could be after school, before bed, or whenever your child feels most relaxed.
• Provide a Range of Books: Ensure that your child has access to books that are both at their reading level and slightly more challenging. This helps build confidence and promotes growth.

• Ask Questions: While reading together, pause to ask questions about the story. Encourage your child to predict what might happen next or explain why a character acted a certain way.
• Discuss the Story: After reading, have a conversation about the book. Discuss favourite parts, what they learned, and any connections they can make to their own life.

• Be a Reading Role Model: Let your child see you reading regularly. Share what you’re reading with them and talk about why you enjoy it.
• Read Aloud Together: No matter your child’s age, reading aloud together can be a powerful way to bond and build reading skills. It also helps with pronunciation, fluency, and comprehension.

• Designate a Reading Space: Set up a cozy, quiet area in your home where your child can read without distractions.
• Keep Books Accessible: Have a variety of books readily available throughout your home, making it easy for your child to pick up a book whenever they feel inspired or visit the local library.

• Praise Effort: Acknowledge your child’s progress, whether it’s learning a new word or finishing a book. Celebrate these milestones to encourage a positive attitude toward reading.
• Set Goals: Help your child set realistic reading goals, such as reading a certain number of books per month or trying new genres. Achieving these goals can boost their confidence.

Figure 1 https://www.barnsley.ac.uk/student-life/library/reading-for-pleasure/

Thank you for being a vital part of your child’s reading journey!

Happy Reading!

Leanne Skinner 
Primary Coordinator and Pedagogical Mentor