How to encourage your child to read books at home Reading is the perfect way to take a break from screen time, while still engaging in English. We've also included a list of reading resources/websites your child can use if books aren’t easily accessible.

Reading is the perfect way to take a break from screen time, while still engaging in English. We've also included a list of reading resources/websites your child can use if books aren’t easily accessible.

1. Read a book with them; they could read aloud to you, or you could read to them.

2. The best part about reading is talking to someone about it! Ask them questions about their book - who is your favourite character, what was the most surprising thing that happened, how could you change the ending?

3. Suggest no screen time for 30 minutes, which can then be used to read quietly. It's a good idea to put devices in another room, so they are not distracting.

4. Suggest reading before bed as a way to relax before sleeping. You can even listen to an audiobook borrowed from the school library online (see below for instructions).

5. This is a great time for your child to read a more challenging classic novel in their home language, to become more familiar with it when they read in in English.

6. Make reading active! There are so many fun activities that can be based around reading - cook a recipe based on your book, create a book trailer, make a comic strip. In fact, you will be doing some in your project on Thursday!

7. Where possible, let them see you reading, and talk to them about it. Reading is a great family activity.

8. Reading non-fiction is also a really important way for your child to develop as a reader. BBC Newsround, CNN 10 and The Learning Network from The New York Times all have quality age-appropriate news items.

9. If you would like a book recommendation, please email Ms Hull or Ms Davis and we can try to help you find something that is already available online.

Reading Resources:

1. Epic! 

Epic reading is giving away 3 free months free access to ebooks.

Sign up here

Promocode: 3monthsfree

How-to sign up for 3 free months here

How to link your home account to your school account here

2. The school library has ebooks and audiobooks your child can borrow online:
Website here
How-to here

3. Reading the news online is a great way to develop non-fiction reading and critical thinking skills.
BBC Newsround

The Learning Network

CNN 10

4. For a challenge, read a classic. Project Gutenberg has 1000s of classic novels available to read free of charge. I would suggest The Secret Garden link to The Secret Garden here as it is a fantastic read for young adults and will challenge you children to learn some new vocabulary. Maybe you could read it with them?

5. Wattpad lets you read fan fiction written by other young people and even write your own. Read this gude to using it responsibly here.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself or Ms Hull if you have any further questions.

Happy reading!

Hannah Davis

Teacher of English, Assistant English Leader