As parents, we often strive to provide our children with the best possible education and support. Teaching children to read is like teaching them to run. Just as parents provide support and guidance as their child takes their first steps and learns to walk, they can provide support and guidance as their child learns to read. As the child becomes more confident and skilled in reading, the parent can gradually remove their support, just as they would let their child run on their own or encourage them to try more challenging texts.However, if parents do not spend time reading with their children and creating an interest in reading, it can be like not teaching a child to walk at all.Without the proper support and guidance, children may struggle to develop the necessary skills and confidence to become proficient readers. 

The Benefits of Parental Involvement in Reading

One of the most important benefits of parental involvement in reading is that it can significantly improve a child's reading skills and overall academic performance. Research has shown that children who are read to regularly by their parents are more likely to perform better in school and score higher on standardised tests. It is because reading with parents provides children with the valuable one-on-one time that can help them better understand and retain new information and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition, by getting involved in their child's reading, parents can support their academic success and foster a lifelong love of reading that can have countless benefits for their child's personal and professional growth. So, iti s highly recommended that parents get involved in their child's reading.

When parents spend time reading with their children, they also provide numerous other benefits to help them become better readers. For example:

·     Children who are read to regularly tend to have larger vocabularies and better language skills than those who are not. Reading exposes children to new words and concepts, helping them learn and understand language more effectively.

·     Reading with parents can also help children develop stronger listening and comprehension skills. As they follow along with the story, children must pay attention to the words and ideas being presented, helping them better understand and remember what they have read.

·     Reading with parents can also help children build confidence and a love of reading. Children who see their parents reading and enjoying books may be more likely to develop a positive attitude toward reading themselves. In addition, it can help them become more motivated to read independently and explore a wider range of texts.

How to Support Children's Reading Development

One of the most important and unique ways parents can support their child's reading development is by providing a consistent and structured reading routine. It can involve setting aside dedicated time each day for reading, creating a cosy and comfortable reading space in the home, and encouraging children to read independently as well as with an adult. By establishing a consistent and structured reading routine, parents can help their child develop strong reading habits that can lead to improved reading skills and overall academic success. Additionally, parents can support their child's reading development by choosing age-appropriate and engaging texts, asking questions, and making predictions as they read together, and encouraging their child to take breaks and do activities related to the text. By taking an active role in their child's reading journey, parents can provide valuable support that can help their child develop a love of reading and succeed in school and beyond.

There are many other ways parents can support their children's reading development, including:

·     Reading to children from a young age: Even before children can read on their own, they can benefit from hearing stories and being exposed to language. By reading to children regularly, parents can help them develop listening and comprehension skills and a love of books.

·     Providing a range of texts: Children should have access to a variety of texts, including picture books, chapter books, and non-fiction books. It can help them explore different genres and styles of writing and find

Making Reading Time Fun and Engaging

One of the most important and unique ways parents can make reading fun and engaging for their children is by reading aloud and acting out the stories. It can involve using different voices for the characters, making sound effects, and even acting out the scenes with props or costumes. By bringing the stories to life in this way, parents can help their children become more immersed in the text and better understand and remember the content. Additionally, parents can make reading fun and engaging by asking open-ended questions, encouraging their children to connect the text and their own lives, and allowing them to choose their own books. Finally, by creating a positive and interactive reading experience, parents can help their children develop a lifelong love of reading and the skills they need to succeed.

While reading with children is important, it's also important to make it an enjoyable and engaging experience for both parents and children. Here are some more tips for making reading time fun:

·     Choose interesting and appropriate books for your child's age and interests. It can help keep them engaged and motivated to read.

·     Encourage children to ask questions and make predictions as they read. It can help them actively engage with the text and think critically about the content.

·     Take breaks and do activities related to the book. For example, you could act out parts of the story, draw pictures, or create crafts inspired by the book.

·     Create a cosy and comfortable reading environment. Consider setting up a special reading spot in your home with pillows, blankets, and a lamp to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

By spending time reading with their children, parents can provide a wealth of benefits to help them become better readers. By choosing interesting and appropriate texts, encouraging active reading, and making reading time fun, parents can support their children's reading development and set them up for success in school and beyond.

Take the first step in helping your child become a confident and skilled reader by enrolling in our comprehensive reading comprehension course. Sign up now and give your child the tools they need to succeed.

Disclaimer: The information provided in the blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute advice, endorsement, or guarantee.

‍