Ideas for Reading at Home
Much loved children's author Michael Morpurgo shares his top tips on how to help children love reading!
Here are some ideas of ways in which you can help your child enjoy reading at home:
1. Join your local library – Get your child a library card from Droylsden library. It’s quick, free and easy to do inside the library or online.
2. Match their interests – Help them find the right book - it doesn’t matter if it’s fiction, poetry, comic books or non-fiction. All reading is good reading!
3. Treats and rewards - Treat your child to a book on their birthday or a magazine for good behaviour. It’s healthier than sweets and will keep them entertained for much longer!
4. Get comfortable! – Snuggle up somewhere warm and cosy with your child, either in bed, on a beanbag or on the sofa, or make sure they have somewhere comfy to relax when they are reading alone.
5. Ask questions – To keep them interested in the story, ask your child questions as you read such as, ‘What do you think will happen next?’ or ‘Where did we get to last time? Can you remember what had happened already?’ You can find advice inside your child’s reading record.
6. Read whenever you get the chance – Bring along a book or magazine for any time your child has to wait, such as at a doctor’s surgery or at the airport.
7. Read again and again – Encourage your child to re-read favourite books and poems to their younger brothers and sisters. Re-reading helps to build up fluency and confidence.
8. Bedtime stories – Regularly read with your child or children at bedtime. It’s a great way to end the day and to spend valuable time with your child.
9. Rhyme and repetition – Books and poems which include rhyme and repetition are great for encouraging younger children to join in and remember the words.
10. Model reading at home - Children love listening to stories and they want to be like you! If you show the enjoyment you can get from reading, they are more likely to follow suit.