Are you concerned about your child's reading?

Reading is the secret to your child's success in school.

• Set aside a short time, say 10 mins, each day for reading with your child. Many parents use the bed time routine for this.
• Always let the child pick the book/story that they want you to read to them.
• Get comfortable with the child and cut out background noise and distractions, turn off the TV, mobile phone etc.
• Encourage older siblings, babysitters, grandparents to read to the child.
• Talk about the story afterwards, ask the child to tell the story in their own words.

Paired reading with your child

• Paired reading is where the adult or older child reads alongside the younger child.
• Read aloud together, slow down your pace to match the child
• The child will not worry about new words and can enjoy the story
• Ask the child to say the story in their own words

Helping older children

• Set aside a quiet time and place, let the child know you are giving them 10 mins of your time, with no phones, TV etc
• Let the child pick the book/story. If you need help selecting age appropriate books as the librarian, class teacher or local bookseller.
• When they get a word wrong allow them to finish the sentence, they will often realize that they have made a mistake and self correct.
• If they struggle with a word just state it correctly.
• Don't keep the child guessing at a word for a long time, as they will forget the story and miss out on the enjoyment.
• Talk about the story afterwards
• Praise the child for reading

Tips for busy parents

• Words are everywhere, cereal packets, shop windows, T shirts…. You will never be lost for an opportunity.
  
• Buy a book as a present for your child when going on holidays, long journeys, Christmas, Birthdays etc.
• In the car try playing I spy.
• In the supermarket ask the child to read the shopping list, read the signs, read the packet, look for the price etc.
• Read the paper or teletext to find out what is on TV
• Read a packet to see how long something takes to cook
• Read and look out for road signs on a car journey
  

If you have concerns about your child's reading a basic reading test can be completed in about 15 mins.