Reading to your child opens up all kinds of possibilities - you'll be familiarising them with new sounds, words and rhythms, as well as introducing all kinds of new topics to talk about. Listening to stories helps to develop their imaginations, carrying them off to new worlds, both real and fantasy, and introducing them to the many different characters and animals that inhabit those worlds. Find out more about getting into reading by watching this video from the Parenting Channel.
Furthermore sharing books together offers a precious way to bond with your child - there are few things nicer than snuggling up together to read and your child will enjoy the chance to spend some undisturbed, quality time with you.
Below are some tips for enjoying books with your child, where to find support for adult literacy and you'll also find links to recommended reading, book reviews and literacy-themed activities to support your child's learning in a fun way on the top right panel. You can also watch a short video from ParentChannel.tv which provides tips from experts and parents on encouraging a love of reading in your child:
Supporting Print-offs to colour in:
- Read every day - make reading a habit - bedtime stories are best, but over breakfast is better than nothing.
- Set an example. Show your child how much enjoyment you get out of books and it might just rub off. Read close by whilst they are quietly playing in the garden and have a book beside your bed.
- My parents were always reading when I was a child and i am sure this is where I get my love of books from. In turn I tell my children all about the books I am reading if they ask and they have always had a bedtime story.
- Make a special place for books- this could be a quiet corner of your home with a box or basket that children can easily see and choose books from
- Tell your children what you are reading and point out language all around - from recipe cards to traffic signs. Show them how important language is in the world around us.
- You don't need to spend a lot of money to build up your own home library. Charity shops, car boot sales, table top fetes and other second-hand sales are all great sources of children's books. You'll be able to find books to suit all age ranges for very little money. And if your child isn't particularly interested in a book you've chosen you won't feel you've wasted too much money. It's also worth checking out your local supermarket for reasonably priced books, as well as online retailers who often have good deals on children's books.Borrowing from your local library is a no-cost way to add some variety to your child's book shelf. Visit our page on libraries to find out about joining and libraries that operate in your area.
- Remember that reading should be pleasurable so choose a time when your child is receptive to reading rather than forcing a book on them when they're clearly not in the mood. The ideal time is at bedtime so make having a story part of their bedtime routine as early as possible.
- And of course make sure you're in the mood to read too - you need to show enthusiasm and enjoyment in reading yourself for your child to get positive benefit from the experience. If you're patently not enjoying reading to your child they will pick that up from your manner and tone of voice, which could put them off the idea of reading.
- Have you got a corner that you can turn into a quiet corner? Make it snuggly with blankets, beanbags, cushions or pillows and put a pile of books next to it. Find 10 minutes in each day to snuggle up and look at books together, and they will be encouraged to give it a go themselves too sometimes.
- Your child is never too young to be introduced to books. As a baby they will be interested in bright colours, textures, sparkly bits and mirrors where they can see their own face. Even if you're not actively 'reading' to them, letting your baby manipulate a book and look at something that is visually stimulating is a wonderful introduction. But don't get too precious about your baby's books. Many board books will withstand the odd bit of chewing but books with flaps may not stay in one piece for too long! That's why charity shop buys can make a wise choice for young babies and toddlers.
- Choose age-appropriate titles and be aware of the length of books. Young children have short attention spans and they will struggle to cope with very text-heavy books. Don't persevere if you feel you've lost their attention - just come back to that particular book on another occasion. Focus on the enjoyment and the meaning rather than accuracy.
- In the pre-school years books should be all about pleasure and escapism so don't get hung up on the idea that they must be used in an educational context - there will be plenty of time to devote to actually learning to read once they are at school, when they will be bringing specific reading books home as homework. Before school use books as a way to stimulate their imaginations and spark their curiosity.
- You'll have to get used to reading the same books over and over so try not to groan when they ask for their favourite Thomas the Tank Engine book again! Children like hearing familiar stories and will continue to notice new things in the story over subsequent re-tellings. They will also like anticipating what happens next.
- As you look at a book together, try stopping occasionally and asking what they can see in the pictures. Talk about some of the things that you can see. If it's a familiar book, ask them to tell you what will happen next, or when you get to the end perhaps they can tell you one or two things that happened in the story. You could encourage younger children to make noises as you go through a story (appropriate ones, that is!) So animal noises if there are animals in the story - Jess the cat in Postman Pat, or a lorry sound in a Bob the Builder story. With slightly older children, you might suggest that together you make up a new ending. 'I wonder what would have happened if...'
- Books are a great way to support your child in other areas of their development. If they are about to embark on potty training, for example, it might be helpful to read a book together before and during the process about potty training. Or perhaps they are about to start nursery or pre-school and are feeling anxious - a book about a fictional character going through the same thing can help them to contextualise their feelings and reassure them about change or events going on in their life.
- Read different types of books - fiction, non-fiction, poetry and rhyme books, traditional fairytales and contemporary stories. Obviously you may find that your little girl has a preference for stories about fairies but do try and mix it up a little so you have broader opportunities for discussion on a variety of different topics. You can find some book suggestions here.
- Let other members of the family read to your child. We all have different ways of expressing the written word so do make sure Dad does his share of storytime, too. He's bound to bring a different dimension to a story and your child will enjoy hearing the different vocal intonation of another family member. Grandparents, too, can be roped in to the odd reading session - perhaps ask them to do storytime when they come around to babysit!
Why reading matters
Much research has been published to support the argument that reading to your child has many benefits for their personal, educational and social development. Here are the five key reasons why reading to your child matters, as outlined by the National Literacy Trust.
1. You'll be helping your child to succeed
Research evidence shows that your involvement in your child's reading and learning is more important than anything else in helping them to fulfil their potential.
2. You'll be supporting your child's language and understanding
Because books contain new words and concepts.
3. You'll be supporting your relationship with your child
Books support parent-child bonding in a fun, relaxed way.
4. Readers are more confident
And as they grow this confidence will mean they have access to greater job opportunities.
5. The love of books lasts a lifetime
If children enjoy books from an early age they are likely to continue to enjoy them as they grow up, providing them with a wonderful source of pleasure and escapism.
Of course it's a daunting prospect trying to foster a love of books in your child if you feel your own literacy skills are patchy. Thankfully there are lots of resources available for adults looking to improve their reading and writing. Take a look at the Gov website for details of free courses in your area for adults wishing to improve their literacy. The BBC also offers a range of resources via its RaW and Skillswise sites.
Live in Scotland?
The Big Plus is Scotland's campaign to promote the free help that's available across the country. And it's not like being back at school. It's relaxed and friendly and it can take just a couple of hours a week.
Visit their website or give them a call on free-phone 0808 100 1080