Q and A

What do I need to know about reading at Key Stages 3 and 4? 

In English, students are expected to read many different kinds of text, including plays, poems, and non-fiction (for example, diaries, travel writing, and science writing).As well as this, other subjects provide the chance for students to read for pleasure and study.

I am really busy and don’t have time to read with my child. What can I do?

10 minutes a day or even a few times a week will make a real difference to your child’s reading. Why not have a look at the ‘instant ideas’ at the beginning of each section for quick things you can do to help.

My son doesn’t like reading. What can I do? My child has problems with reading. How do I help? 

Try to find things for him to read that are about his interests and let him choose what he wants to read as much as you can. Magazines, comics and non-fiction (fact) books might be more interesting to him than stories. Other reading activities, like tuning the video using the instructions can also develop reading. Don’t forget that using the internet requires reading skills too and there is free access at your local library. If he is interested in computer games, there are lots of books on how to play the games and ‘cheats’ (short cuts). Praise your son for any reading he does and make sure he sees you reading too. Keep any reading you do together short and fun. Even though it is worrying, pushing your son too hard or making reading a chore will put him off even more. 

I have/my partner has problems with reading. Can I still help my child? 

Research has shown that talking to children about what they are reading, and having books and magazines at home make a difference to children’s progress even if parents have problems with reading themselves. If you want help with reading or have a friend you think needs help, check your local library for information on local classes and support. 

My child is not getting enough support at school to help them with reading. What should I do? 

If you think your child needs more support, ring your child’s school and ask to speak to their English teacher. You can talk about your worries over the phone, or set up a meeting to discuss it further. It is best to call either before or after the school day – be prepared to leave a message. 

I am worried that my child is not being challenged enough to improve their reading at school. What can I do? 

It is important for teachers and parents to have high but realistic expectations. Make sure that your child is not being put off reading by finding the books they are reading too easy or uninteresting. Don’t force your child to read a book you think they should read. It is much better to talk to them about what they like reading and help them to choose books they will enjoy. Booksellers, librarians and teachers can help with book choices. 

If you are still worried, speak to your child’s English teacher. You can talk about your concerns over the phone, or set up a meeting to discuss it further. It is best to call either before or after the school day – be prepared to leave a message. 

My child keeps reading the same books over and over again. Is this normal? 

Children often re-read books they have enjoyed or will stick to a particular genre (for example, horror) or series. Reading the same books or same type of books over and over helps them to build reading confidence, and children will usually move on at their own pace. Don’t stop them reading books again – interfering with what children choose to read can often put them off. If you are worried, you could make some suggestions for other books they might enjoy based on what they are already reading. For example, a child who enjoys Goosebumps might enjoy the Series of Unfortunate Events books. Ask your child’s teacher, a librarian or a bookseller for advice on suitable titles. 

My child will only read magazines, not books. I think my child is dyslexic. What should I do? 

Don’t worry. Evidence shows that children who enjoy reading for pleasure perform better at school, whether they are reading magazines, newspapers or fiction. You could always try suggesting books that they might enjoy based on the magazines they read or their interests. Look at websites for advice or ask a librarian or teacher for suggestions. 

What sort of books should I choose for my child? 

Ideally, you should let your child choose books for themselves, as they are much more likely to want to read if they have been able to choose for themselves. If you want ideas for books, visit a website which has reviews of books for 10-15 year olds, by 10-15 year olds, or ask your child’s teacher, a librarian or a bookseller.