The easiest way to help your child become a strong reader is to encourage a love of reading from an early age. You can take out a library card for your child, even if they are still a baby, and borrow picture books – and later, simple stories – as they grow. The most important thing is to help your child associate reading with something enjoyable. You may wonder how best to do this. Here are a few suggestions that should help:
- When you are looking at a book with your child, give them your whole attention. This makes reading a special time and shows them that books are important.
- Choose books that appeal to you, especially when your child is still young and you are the one doing the reading. Your enthusiasm will make the experience more enjoyable for both of you.
- Have a set time when you will read to your child without fail. Before bed is usually a good time – following the three Bs: Bath, Book, Bed. Or perhaps you prefer reading after getting back from the park in the afternoon.
- Let your child see you reading. Children learn by example. If they see you enjoying a book, newspaper, or magazine, they are more likely to become curious about reading themselves.
- Make books easily accessible. Keep a small selection of books within your child’s reach so they can pick them up whenever they like, just as they would with their toys.
- Use voices and expression. Bringing stories to life with different voices and enthusiasm makes both reading and listening more fun.
- Encourage storytelling. Let your child make up their own stories or ‘read’ a book by describing the pictures. This builds confidence, creativity, and an understanding of how stories work.
- Learning nursery rhymes together helps develop early language skills. If you can’t remember them, look them up – traditional rhymes have stood the test of time and will help your child later in English lessons.
- Don’t rush the learning process. If your child isn’t ready to sound out words yet, focus on enjoying books together. The love of reading comes first – reading skills will follow.
By creating a reading-friendly environment and making books a natural part of everyday life, you’ll be giving your child the best possible start on their reading journey.
You may be wondering when and how to start introducing actual written words to your child. Every child develops at their own pace, but there are simple ways to make early reading experiences enjoyable and engaging. Below are answers to common questions parents have about supporting their child’s reading journey.
How soon should I introduce my child to actual written words?
There’s no set age for introducing written words – it depends on your child’s interest and curiosity. Some children naturally start noticing letters and words early, while others take longer to show interest, and that’s perfectly okay.
When you do introduce written words, use large, clear fonts. A young child’s visual system is still developing, and small print can be difficult for them to focus on. Start with just one or two words at a time, using plenty of repetition. Choose words that have meaning to them – such as their name, “Mummy,” “Daddy” or a favourite toy.
Make the experience fun. If they recognise or say a word correctly, respond with enthusiastic praise. The goal is to create positive associations with reading so that learning new words feels exciting rather than like a chore. This playful approach helps build confidence and lays the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.
How much should I correct my child when they make mistakes while reading?
If your child is just beginning to read, focus on encouraging their efforts rather than aiming for perfect accuracy. If they misread a word but the sentence still makes sense, it’s okay to let it go – this shows they are understanding the story and using their problem-solving skills. Fluency and accuracy will develop over time. If they get stuck, you can gently help by giving them the first sound, guiding them to break the word into smaller parts, or encouraging them to look at the pictures for clues. The goal is to build confidence and a love of reading, not to expect perfection from the start!