Develop family reading routines and rituals
Find a regular time when you are able to incorporate dedicated story time or reading into your day; in the morning, after school, or before bedtime. Making this a cosy routine makes essential reading a pleasant activity for everyone. This applies equally to older children; create routine, send them off to their favourite reading place every day for a set amount of time, then chat through with them what they have read. Make a note of times and amounts of reading so they can look back and recognise the achievement.
Read what interests your child
The nutrition facts on the cereal box, the Sunday newspapers, a recipe, even maps and instructions all make great reading material if your child is interested. Let them choose a book wherever possible rather than choosing for them. Try both fiction and information books, and ask a librarian, a teacher and other parents for recommendations based on your child’s interests – you may be surprised what a rich source of book recommenders you have amongst your own friends!
Try books that reflect your daily experiences
Making connections to topics you read about is a fun way to keep children engaged. In this age of Google and Amazon, just search for a book topic and see what the search brings up. For example, if your child watches the news and is interested in current affairs, try reading a book like ‘The Boy at the Back of the Classroom’ by Onjali Rauf. This opens up opportunities for conversations such as discussing similarities and differences between the book and the news. If they express an interest in their history topic at school such as the Second World War there are a wealth of great novels to support and connect with the topic; Michael Morpurgo is a great starting point.
Reread your child’s favourites and then read them your own
It is common for young children to request the same book again and again. Re-reading familiar stories offers children a chance to absorb information over time and lets them master the whole story. Try suggesting some of your favourite books from your own childhood which will also open discussion based on what you remember. I bet, however many times you read a book as a child, they will talk to you about the one part you don’t remember! I had this very experience recently at school with a boy who was reading my personal favourite ‘The Silver Sword’ by Ian Serrelier.
Encourage storytelling
Encourage your child to tell you a story from time to time or to retell a story after they’ve read something. Don’t feel the need to correct how they tell you the story, just let them enjoy the experience, or better still get them to recount the plot and some salient points about the book they are currently reading. With older children this is a great chance to check their comprehension of the story so far and help with extra context if you can. They may even enjoy writing a short book review.
Most important of all – have fun while reading!
For younger children you could try acting out the story or using facial expression and funny voices. Or try making the story particularly relevant to your child by substituting their name or your pet’s name or place where you live. Involving props can be fun too! For older children, encourage them to watch a film version of the book afterwards or look for places you can visit to tie in with the themes or locations.
Mrs Emmett, Librarian
