While your child will be engaged in a variety of reading activities at school, it is also important to encourage your child to read outside the classroom.
Here are some ideas that may help you support your child's reading development:
- talk with your child about the things they like to read - picture books, books about dinosaurs, 'how-to-make' instructions, catalogues, signs, computer games
- ask your child to retell their favourite stories
- read with your child each day if you can — before bed, first thing in the morning, whenever it is convenient for the family
- ask questions while reading to your child to check they understand what they are reading such as Why do you think that happened? What do you think will happen next? andWhy do you think the author included that part in the story?
- give your child time when they get stuck on a word — take it slowly — encourage your child to read on to get the overall meaning or tell them the word
- let your child see you reading
- read and write with your child in their first language
- create your own stories from the pictures and images, in your child's first language, if books in your first language are unavailable
- visit the local library and encourage your child to choose reading material that they will enjoy
- collect books and display reading materials in your home such as books, newspapers, magazines
- point out printed words found at home and in your child's local environment including long, short, funny or interesting words
- share with your child a range of electronic materials such as websites, email, text messages, computer games
- share with your child a range of visual texts such as photos, illustrations, cartoons, comics
- make books or other reading materials with your child about topics of interest or shared experiences — a holiday photo album, a book about insects, signs for their bedroom
- create a special place for your child to read, write or draw
- make a message board or space at home and encourage your child to read and leave messages for other family members
- create word walls in places where your child spends a lot of time such as their bedroom
- carry a book or magazine with you when you are out — waiting at the doctor, waiting for the bus.
Find ideas on what books are age-appropriate for your child.