Reading at home should be fun and easy – something you both look forward to - a time for laughter and talk.
- Share the reading, take turns or see whether your child wants to read or be read to today.
- All children like to be read to, so keep reading to them.
- Visit the library together and help them choose books to share.
- Play card and board games together.
- Talk about pictures in books.
- Sing songs, read poems and make up rhymes together – the funnier the better.
- Be a role model. Let your child see you enjoying reading and talk about what you are enjoying.
- Point out words on signs, shops and labels.
- Play word games like "I Spy" and "Simon Says…".
Make it a special time together
Reading is a great chance for you and your child to spend special time together. Make reading:
- quiet and relaxing
- a time to sit close to your child
- 10–15 minutes without interruption, away from the TV
- an enjoyable, interesting and special time
- a time to praise your child for making an effort