Small reading moments can build confidence and enjoyment of language.
Begin with interest
Let your child choose age-appropriate stories, poems or information books. Animals, space or art can be a doorway into reading.
Talk about the story
Ask what might happen next or why a character made a choice. Keep conversation friendly; reading together should feel like shared discovery.
Build a manageable routine
A short, predictable reading time is easier to sustain than an ambitious target. Read aloud, take turns and revisit favourites. Ask the teacher for suggestions.
Read together, not only as a test
Reading aloud gives children access to language and ideas even when a text is beyond their independent reading level. Take turns if that feels comfortable. Pause occasionally to discuss something interesting, but avoid interrupting every sentence. Shared reading works best when it remains an experience you enjoy together.
Let favourite books return
Revisiting a familiar book can feel reassuring and reveal details missed the first time. A child may notice a pattern, recognise more words or tell part of the story confidently. Familiarity and discovery can coexist. Keep a mixture of favourites and fresh choices available.
Keep conversation open
Ask what surprised your child, which character they understand or what might happen next. There does not always need to be one correct answer. Invite them to point to a part of the text that supports their idea. This connects enjoyment with careful attention and reasoning.
Work with the school when needed
If reading is consistently frustrating, discuss specific observations with the teacher. Explain which parts seem difficult and what your child enjoys. Ask for suitable books and a manageable next step. Encouragement is most useful when it connects with the learner’s needs rather than comparison with other children.
Take one useful next step
Choose one idea to try, notice how your child responds and use that observation to guide your next conversation.
