Frances Maguire 5 min read.
Improve your child’s reading skills
Improve your child’s reading skills. This will give them confidence as they progress through school. As an educator for over 25 years, I can testify to seeing the transformative impact of teaching children to read. Ofsted (2023) Click here reinforces the research that reading is the gateway to knowledge, imagination, and lifelong learning and inspects schools to ensure reading standards are as high as possible. If children fall behind in their reading ability, they are less likely to access the school curriculum as widely as children who can read fluently. While schools are responsible for literacy and ensuring children are taught to read, the importance of collaboration between school and home cannot be overstated. Working together, educators and parents can create a powerful support system that maximises a child’s potential and fosters a love for reading.
Schools provide a structured learning environment and expert teaching. From the early teaching of phonics to the complexities of comprehension, teachers in schools are equipped to address the diverse needs of students. However, the learning process should not stop at the school gate. Parents can play a crucial role in helping to reinforce what children learn in the classroom which will improve your child’s reading skills.
Improve reading skills creating a reading-friendly atmosphere at home, parents can contribute significantly to their child’s reading development. This includes setting aside dedicated reading time, providing access to a variety of books, and engaging in discussions about the stories. Click here for ideas to help reading at home.
Studies consistently show that children whose parents are actively involved in their education tend to perform better academically. Click here to read the research. When it comes to reading, parents can serve as reading role models, showcasing the enjoyment and importance of reading. Reading together not only enhances a child’s skills but also strengthens the parent-child bond.
Every child is unique, and their learning styles and paces can vary. The partnership between school and home allows for a more personalised approach to reading instruction. Teachers can provide information about the child’s progress, and parents can offer valuable observations about their child’s strengths and areas that may need more attention. Click here for advice about teaching reluctant readers. Beyond the mechanics of reading, instilling a love for reading is equally crucial. Schools can create engaging reading programs, book clubs, reading buddies and literary events, while parents can nurture a positive reading culture at home. The partnership working between school and home can shape a child’s perception of reading from a mere skill to a source of joy, knowledge, and imagination.
Reading for pleasure has been recently highlighted by BBC radio 4. The renowned author Sir Michael Morpurgo shared his thoughts and memories of reading for pleasure as a child. He is now the best selling author of over 150 books. Click here to read BBC article. Other authors who have recently spoken about the importance of reading are Julia Donaldson, and Joseph Coelho. While it has to be acknowledged that time and money can be a barrier for parents when helping their children to read, there are ways to find free books. Schools should be able to help with this too.
Click here for information on encouraging reading for pleasure.
The partnership between school and home is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Together, schools and parents can provide the all round support needed to unlock a child’s full potential and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading. One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is our time to help the develop a reading habit which will open doors to a love of lifelong learning.
Frances Maguire.
References
The Effect of Parent-Involved Reading
Activities On Primary School Students’
Reading Comprehension Skills,
Reading Motivation, and Attitudes
Towards Reading*
Emir Feridun Çalışkana,**, Abdulhak Halim Ulaşb