The BBC news recently reported on a study by The Institute of Education drawing on research by the always admirable National Literacy Trust. It’s about the importance of children reading for pleasure –even maths scores improve, for example, as well as vocabulary and overall educational level. They urge parents to read with their children. Even 10 minutes a day makes a real difference. And they included the following tips for parents:
Even 10 minutes a day reading with your child is a major help
Choose a wide variety of books to introduce different types of language and style
Take turns to read aloud to each other. They can learn from your expressive reading and you can check they are not struggling
Ask questions about the book – maybe about what might happen next or a character’s motivation
Make sure they understand any new or unusual words or phrases
Enjoy it – “try and lose yourselves in a good story!”
Even 10 minutes a day reading with your child is a major help
Choose a wide variety of books to introduce different types of language and style
Take turns to read aloud to each other. They can learn from your expressive reading and you can check they are not struggling
Ask questions about the book – maybe about what might happen next or a character’s motivation
Make sure they understand any new or unusual words or phrases
Enjoy it – “try and lose yourselves in a good story!”