Reading is a fundamental skill that shapes the educational journey of every child. Encouraging primary school children to start reading can be challenging, especially with Ofsted’s focus on language development and comprehension. However, with the right strategies and approaches, it can also be immensely rewarding. Here are some effective methods to foster a love for reading among young learners and engage even the most reluctant readers.
1. Create a Positive Reading Environment
Creating an inviting and exciting reading environment is crucial. Every classroom should have a reading corner that draws children in. Consider creating themed reading corners that can be decided upon and crafted together. Some ideas include:
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- Under the sea
- Rainbow reading den
- Castle corner
- Transport hub
- Jungle safari
Linking the book corner to the current term’s topic at school can help engage children in both learning about the topic and reading related fiction and non-fiction. Ensure the space is comfortable with pillows or bean bags to encourage children to choose to read there. This approach can also be replicated at home with a few bookshelves and cosy seating.
2. Provide a Variety of Reading Materials
Having a broad range of reading materials available is essential. Include not only storybooks but also recipe books, graphic novels, news blogs, and instructions. Children often enjoy reading about characters they can relate to, so ensure your collection includes diverse children’s picture books that depict various family structures, cultures, religions, and physical abilities.
Here are some book recommendations:
Year 1:
- Happy Hedgegrow by Elena Mannion and Erin Brown
- The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage
- The Midnight Panther by Poonam Mistry
- Axel Scheffler Fairy Tale Treasury by Axel Scheffler
- Smile Out Loud by Joseph Coelho
- A Dark, Dark Tale by Ruth Brown
Year 2:
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- Nikhil and Jay: Flying High by Chitra Soundar
- The Star Whale by Nicole Davies illustrated by Petr Horacek
- Beti and the Little Round House by Atinuke
- Marv and the Dino Attack by Alex Falase-Koya, illustrated by Paula Bowles
- Big Sky Mountain by Alex Milway
- Isadora Moon goes to School by Harriet Muncaster
Year 3:
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- Bronte Tempestra and the Lighning Steeds by Bex Hogan
- Kate on the Case by Hannah Peck
- Big Tree by Brian Selznick
- The Boy who grew Dragons by Andy Shepherd
- Angel on the Roof by Shirley Hughes
- Beast Quest by Adam Blade
Year 4:
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- Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star by Laura Noakes
- The Untameables by Clare Pollard
- Monster Stink by Anna Brooke
- The Wonder Brothers by Frank Cottrell Boyce
- Onyeka and the Academy of the Sun by Tola Okogwu
- The Curio Collectors by Eloise Williams
Year 5:
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- Glassborn by Peter Bunzl
- Dungeon Runners: Hero Trial by Kieran Larwood
- The Wall Between us by Dan Smith
- The Island at the Edge of Night by Lucy Strange
- The Thief of Farrowfell by Ravena Guron
- Skandar and the Unicorn Thief by A.F. Steadman
Year 6:
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- Resist by Tom Palmer
- Xanthe and the Ruby Crown by Jasbinder Bilan
- The Final Year by Matt Goodfellow and Joe Todd-Stanton
- Crater Lake by Jennifer Killick
- Jodie by Hilary McKay
- Wild by Ele Fountain
3. Change the Reading Location
Sometimes, changing where children read can add excitement. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
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- Build a fort and give children torches for reading inside.
- Read outside in the fresh air.
- Allow reading under the tables for a fun twist.
- Visit the school library regularly.
- Find special spots around the school or at home for reading.
4. Be a Reading Role Model
Children emulate the adults around them. Show your enthusiasm for reading by making it a visible part of your routine. Share what you are reading and why you enjoy it. This can encourage your child to develop a similar interest in reading.
5. Incorporate Technology
In today’s digital age, technology can be a powerful tool to encourage reading. Educational apps, eBooks, and audiobooks can make reading more interactive and fun. Websites like Epic! and Reading Eggs offer a vast library of digital books and reading activities tailored to different age groups and reading levels.
6. Read Aloud Together
Reading aloud to children, even after they can read independently, has numerous benefits. It exposes them to more complex vocabulary and sentence structures, improves listening skills, and fosters a deeper connection with the story. Choose a variety of genres to keep it interesting and let children pick some of the books you read together.
7. Make Reading Interactive
Engage children in the reading process by making it interactive. Ask questions about the story, discuss the characters, and predict what might happen next. For younger children, use props or puppets to bring the story to life. This interaction helps children develop comprehension skills and keeps them engaged.
8. Utilize Different Ways to Read and Listen to Stories
Reading doesn’t have to be limited to traditional silent reading. Here are some alternative ways to enjoy stories:
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- Listen to stories read by others, either through recordings or live readings.
- Turn on subtitles for favourite TV shows and encourage children to read along.
- Host karaoke sessions where children read and sing lyrics.
- Learn and perform topical poems for special occasions.
9. Host a Book Café
Create a book café experience by setting up tables with a variety of books and reading materials. Allow children to choose where to sit and explore different genres. This can be particularly effective at the beginning of a new topic, helping children discover their reading preferences.
10. Encourage Book Swaps and Visits to the Library
Book swaps and library visits can significantly boost a child’s interest in reading. Encourage children to exchange books with friends and explore new stories. Visiting the local library together can be a fun activity, especially when there are author events or storytelling sessions.
11. Make Reading a Family Activity
Reading together as a family can significantly boost children’s interest. Organize family reading nights where everyone reads their own book, or one person reads aloud to the group. Discussing books as a family and sharing recommendations makes reading a shared and enjoyable experience.
12. Encourage Writing Alongside Reading
Encouraging children to write their own stories can complement their reading. Provide them with journals, story prompts, and plenty of writing materials. Writing helps children understand story structure, develop creativity, and improve their language skills, all of which enhance their reading abilities.
13. Set Reading Goals and Celebrate Achievements
Setting achievable reading goals and celebrating milestones can motivate children to read more. Create a reading chart to track their progress and offer rewards for reaching certain targets. These rewards can be as simple as stickers, extra playtime, or a new book. Celebrating their achievements boosts their confidence and encourages them to keep reading.
14. Keep Reading Fun
There’s no right or wrong way to share a story – as long as you and your child are having fun. Don’t be afraid to act out situations or use funny voices. Children will love it, and it makes reading a joyful experience.
How can Educate Excellence help?
At Educate Excellence we encourage children to constantly read. We get them to read different text genres in class and we have a ‘reading book club’ where each child reads a different book each month and writes a book review. If you need any more help with this please contact your PLO or the head of Education, Fayas.
Instilling a love for reading in primary school children requires a combination of the right environment, engaging materials, and consistent encouragement. By integrating these strategies into daily life, parents and educators can help children develop a lifelong passion for reading. This not only enhances their academic skills but also opens up a world of imagination, knowledge, and joy.
