Making the most of reading at home – hints and tips from the Peters team

April 1st 2020

With schools closed and the majority of children at home for the weeks to come, reading with their children is likely to be at the forefront of many parents’ minds. Reading for pleasure is not only a great form of escapism, but it’s also one of the best ways for children to learn and develop their vocabulary.

However, reading at home doesn’t need to be hard work. Our librarians and curriculum specialists have put together their top tips on reading to your child, encouraging reluctant readers, independent reading and more.

Inspiring your reluctant readers

As ever, children are more likely to enjoy something if they have an interest in it to begin with, and the same is especially true with reading.

Those who don’t enjoy fiction might find a non-fiction book on a topic they’re interested in. Boys in particular can be reluctant to pick up a story book, but find themselves hooked on non-fiction. It’s great for dipping in and out of, so can be read in chunks rather than all in one go and means a child doesn’t need to follow a single narrative.

Don’t forget all reading is good reading – it doesn’t necessarily have to be a book. Magazines are equally valid and can be the perfect way to get reluctant readers hooked. 

You could also read a newspaper article, a catalogue, or even an instruction booklet together. Recipe books count too, why not read and follow a recipe together in the kitchen?

If you’re reading to your child…

1. Let them choose the book themselves. Even if they are very young, a child is far more likely to be interested in a book if they have chosen it themselves. Put out a small selection and let them pick.
2. (Don’t) judge a book by its cover. Before you begin reading, look at the cover of the book together, and ask what they think the book might be about.
3. Keep the discussion going. If it’s a picture book, pause regularly to talk about the illustrations. What is happening in the pictures? What mood do they create?
4. Engage them. Ask your child questions about the story to keep them engaged as you read, and relate the story to their own lives e.g. ‘How would you feel if..?’ or ‘What would you do if…?’
5. Predict what happens next. At key points in the story, ask your child to guess what might happen when you turn the page.
6. At the end When the story is over, ask them what they think might have happened next.
7. It doesn’t stop there! Time to get creative – ask your child to draw their favourite part of the story, or could you do some crafts together?

If your child or teenager is reading independently

1. Make a comfortable space Ensure as far as possible that there is somewhere comfortable for your child or young adult to sit and relax with a book. It should be somewhere they want to spend time. You could even create a reading den!
2. No time limits Try not to set too many rules from the outset. Don’t make reading a box that must be ticked each day, but encourage them to think of it as something to look forward to instead.
3. Slow and steady If you have a reluctant reader, encourage them to read a chapter at a time. Give praise and ask questions about the story as they progress through the book.
4. Join in with discussion Use their reading as an opportunity to talk about related topics. Are they enjoying their book? If so, why? (Or why not?) Ask them how they’d feel if they were in a particular character’s shoes.
5. Families read together If you can, make time for everyone in the family to sit and read their own book together. Tell each other about your books, and why you’re enjoying them.

We can support you

If you’re looking for inspiration, check out our downloadable book lists with recommended reads for every year group. 

Need more advice or book recommendations? Our team can help. Email hello@peters.co.uk or call us on 0121 666 6646 with your requirements to find out more.