At Threshfield Primary School, we are committed to teaching our pupils to be-come skilled readers who develop a comprehensive understanding of words, language and texts as they move through school. They learn to read and then read to learn. Through using a range of strategies, our aim is to ensure that pupils develop a love of reading so that they can read for purpose and for pleasure. We provide pupils with a range of strategies in order to do this. Our schools reading information is presented within the booklet below.
Reading at Home
Sharing a book with a child is fun! It's a time for closeness, laughing and talking together – and also gives your child a flying start in life and encourages them in becoming lifelong readers.
Included on this page are some suggestions to support you in sharing books at home. It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to share a book. Just enjoy it with your child and your enthusiasm will reflect onto them.
It’s never too early to start
It’s never too early to start sharing books with your children. They might not understand the words, but they will love cuddling up, hearing your voice, and looking at the pictures. However, do not worry if your young child gets distracted, chews the book or wanders off, this is just the beginning of their reading journey. Also, do not worry if you don’t have a lot of time in your busy day, either as just a few minutes can make a huge difference.
As children becomes older, here are some ideas to encourage a love of reading:
- Read yourself - this is the most effective one. If your child sees that reading is important to you, it will become important to them.
- Give books as presents. And encourage your children and their friends to swap books with each other. This will give them the opportunity to read new stories, and get them all talking about what they’re reading.
- Visit the local library or books shop together. It is always a nice day out and will also give you the opportunity to learn when authors are coming to visit certain areas. This would encourage your children to read new genres of books.
- Ask your children to take books with them whenever you travel somewhere or nip out to do errands. They will then always have something to do, instead of being 'bored'.
- Have a family bookshelf and especially in your child's room if you are able to.
- Keep reading together. Just because your children are older, it doesn’t mean you have to stop sharing stories. There are many brilliant series of books for older children, that you will enjoy just as much as them, e.g. A series of Unfortunate Events, Harry Potter.
- Do not worry if your child reads the same book over and over again. It is very common with good books; I have read the final Harry Potter book at least 30 times.
The video: How to share books online, with Ali Sparkes by The Book Trust gives some amazing ideas on how to share a book with your children or grandchildren at home.
