Reading at Home Top-Tips

We would love children to read at home as much as possible, whether alone or alongside an adult. Daily reading not only builds children's reading confidence, but also influences good mental-health and wellbeing. Beyond this, reading together is a great way to relax as a family. 

Here are some of our top-tips for reading together at home:

1. Find Your Own Time

Set a regular time for reading together, so it becomes part of your daily routine. Find a time and place that best works for you. We recommend turning off the TV!

2. Be Different

Find unusual ways to read together. Perhaps read outside when the weather is nice or build a reading den together!

3. Reading Everything and Anything

Encourage children to read their phonics book, School Library book, magazines, comics and more. It doesn't matter what children read as long as they are having fun!

4. Follow the Reading Steps

Step 1: 

• Make sure you can both see the book clearly.
• Look at the front cover together and ask your child some questions about it. What do they think it will be about? What do they think might happen?

Step 2: 

• Your child reads using the routine of "Special Friends, Fred Talk, Read the Word". E.g. ay, m-ay, may. 
• Don't worry if they get a word wrong, just point to the word and ask them repeat it again using "Fred Talk". 

Step 3:

• When they have repeated the word correctly, begin reading together again.

Step 4:

• Continue reading together until they finish the book.
• It's ok to read the same book more than once. 

5. Book Talk

Ask your child some open-ended questions about the books they read. 

• What did you like about the book?
• What did you dislike about the book?
• What happened in the story?
• What puzzled you?
• Have you learnt anything new or different?
• How was it similar to other books you have read?
• What is your impression of the main character?
• Which words tell you how the main character was feeling?

6. The More the Merrier

Children love to share books with their brothers and sisters. Older siblings may like to ask questions or help with tricky words. 

7. Visit Andover Library

Borrow books for FREE from our local library. Don't forget to take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge. Learn more HERE. 

8. Embrace Screen Time

Exploring eBooks on a phone or tablet is a great way to read. Click HERE to download FREE eBooks on Borrow Box using an Andover Library ID Number!