Book Week was a wonderful reminder of the joy that reading brings. The event was filled with creativity and excitement as students of all ages came together to celebrate the magic of books. Reading, however, is much more than just a fun activity for special occasions; it is a fundamental skill that, much like learning to ride a bike or play an instrument, improves with regular practice. Through this consistent engagement with reading, true learning and development flourish.
Spending time reading with a child can be a rewarding experience for both parent and child. It offers a unique opportunity to bond, share moments of discovery, and create a space where stories come alive and imagination is nurtured. Reading together also supports your child’s development by building decoding skills and increasing their ability to read independently. Beyond this, it helps to expand their vocabulary and enhances their comprehension, allowing them to understand and interpret a wide range of texts more effectively.
In my own home, reading has become a cherished part of our daily routine, but it hasn’t always been this way. We’ve had to persist when reading was hard and work out a routine and time that works for us. I now look forward to the time I spend with my 12-year-old, delving into stories that are new to both of us. There are still some days when one of us doesn’t feel like reading, but we continue to make it a priority, knowing how valuable this time is. It’s not just about the act of reading itself; it’s about the quality time we spend together, learning and laughing, discovering new words and story structures, and developing fluency as we read aloud. This time together has become a treasured part of our day, offering a chance to reconnect after a busy day and give each other our undivided attention.
For those children just beginning their reading journey, we’ve put together a video filled with tips and tricks to support reading at home. You can find the link for this video below. We hope this resource will inspire a love for reading in your home, sparking joy and creating lasting memories as you read together. If you have any questions or need further advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher or the leadership team. We’re here to support you and help foster a lifelong love of reading in your child.
Sarah Grady
