ISSUE 5 • MAY 2015
Encouraging Enthusiasm in Reading at Home MS. KITTI VAUGHAN, RECEPTION K TEACHER
Reading is an important skill and children learn about the importance of reading by seeing adults at home reading for everyday purposes. In Reception the children first begin to listen to environmental sounds before learning the pure sounds and later begin to blend these together to read words and sentences. They also become familiar with ‘tricky words’ (those that cannot be sounded out) as well as using pictures and context to prompt them when reading a new book.
Even princesses love to read!
It is important that children are exposed to reading on a daily basis and in a number of ways to encourage enthusiasm and excitement, e.g. sharing a story, reading a recipe, making a shopping list or reading road signs. At home you can also read aloud to your children to encourage learning the language of books. You can talk about books, read together, both fiction and non-fiction, and make reading an enjoyable, shared activity. It is important to read to your
Go on an adventure- get lost in a book!
child in your home language if your first language is not English. There is evidence to suggest that reading in your home language will help your child to learn to develop reading skills in English. Try to make a special, quiet time for reading with your child, away from the interruption of TV and tablets. Listen to your child every day, even if only for a short period. Allow them to see books as a ‘treasure’ by buying them as a reward or treat.
Sharing a book with our ‘reading buddies’
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