Reading opens the door to everything else your child will learn at school, and parents play a huge part in it. You do not need to be a teacher or follow a complicated programme. A few minutes a day of sharing books, talking about stories and practising the sounds your child is learning at school can make a lasting difference. This guide explains how reading develops in the early years and gives practical ways to help at every stage.
Why Reading at Home Matters
Children who read regularly with a parent build a wider vocabulary, stronger listening skills and a better understanding of how stories work. Just as importantly, they learn that reading is enjoyable. Children who love books tend to read more, and children who read more become more confident, fluent readers.
How Children Learn to Read
Babies and toddlers: the foundations
Reading starts long before school. Babies learn language by hearing it, so talking, singing nursery rhymes and sharing simple board books all build the foundations for reading.
Pre-school: tuning into sounds
Around three and four, children start to notice sounds in words. Rhyming games, clapping syllables and “I spy” help them hear the separate sounds that make up words.
Reception and Key Stage 1: phonics
In school, children are taught phonics, linking sounds to the letters that represent them. They learn to blend sounds together to read words, and to break words into sounds to spell them.
Becoming a fluent reader
As children practise, decoding becomes quicker and more automatic, so they can focus on understanding and enjoying what they read.
Practical Ways to Support Reading at Home
Read together every day
Little and often works best. Ten minutes at bedtime is more valuable than a long session once a week. Keep it relaxed and cosy.
Keep reading aloud, even when your child can read
Read books that are a little beyond your child’s own level. This builds vocabulary and comprehension, and shows them what they are working towards.
Use pure sounds
When helping with phonics, keep letter sounds short, such as “mmm” rather than “muh”. Ask your child’s teacher how sounds are taught at school.
Let them do the work
When your child reads a school book aloud, give them time to sound out words. Praise effort and the strategies they use, not just getting it right.
Talk about the book
Ask open questions: “What do you think will happen next?”, “How do you think she feels?” or “What was your favourite part?” Talking builds understanding, which is the whole point of reading.
Make books part of everyday life
Visit the library, keep books in the car, read signs, menus and recipes together, and let your child see you reading for pleasure too.
What to Do If Your Child Is Reluctant to Read
- Follow their interests, whether that is dinosaurs, football, space or funny stories
- Try comics, joke books, non-fiction and audiobooks
- Take turns reading pages
- Keep it short and stop while it is still fun
- Talk to their teacher, who can suggest books and explain how your child is doing in class
Reading and Confidence
Reading well has a big effect on how children feel about themselves at school. Celebrate progress, however small, and avoid comparing your child with siblings or friends. Our guide to building confidence and resilience in young children has more on encouraging a positive mindset.
Reading at Broughton Manor Prep
At Broughton Manor Preparatory School in Milton Keynes, a love of reading begins in our nursery with songs, rhymes and stories. In Pre-School, children develop language, communication and early literacy skills, including phonics, and in Reception they build strong foundations in phonics, reading, writing and handwriting. Library story times are a favourite part of the week.
Our small classes mean teachers can hear children read often and tailor their support. We believe parental partnership is at the heart of learning, and we are always happy to share ideas to help you read with your child at home. Read what children should know before starting Reception for more early learning tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is plenty for young children. Regular short sessions are more effective than occasional long ones.
Yes. Reading aloud to children of all ages builds vocabulary, comprehension and a love of stories.
Use pure letter sounds, let your child sound out words in their school book and play sound games. Ask the school how phonics is taught so you can use the same approach.
Keep reading enjoyable, follow their interests and talk to their teacher early. Every child learns at their own pace, and early support makes a big difference.
