How to Support Your Child's Reading at Home (6 Simple Habits)

Even 10–15 minutes of daily shared reading has a significant impact on a child's vocabulary, comprehension, and love of books. Take turns reading: you read a page, your child reads a page. When it's your turn, model good reading — pace, expression, pausing at punctuation.

Children read more willingly and more often when they choose their own books. Let them pick topics they love — dinosaurs, superheroes, animals, cooking. A book they are excited about will be read multiple times, which is excellent practice. Don't worry if the book seems too easy — easy books build fluency and confidence.

When reading together, occasionally stop and ask: 'What do you think will happen next?' This builds reading comprehension because your child has to think about what they have understood so far and make a logical prediction. When the answer is revealed, compare it to their prediction — there's no wrong answer, just discussion.

When your child gets stuck on a word, resist the urge to immediately say the word for them. Give them 5–10 seconds to try. If they get it, celebrate. If not, break it into sounds together: 'What sound does this bit make?' If they are still struggling, say the word and move on — the goal is enjoyment, not performance.

Children who see books as accessible and appealing read more. Create a small dedicated space — even just a basket next to the sofa — filled with age-appropriate books. Keep it at their height. Rotate the books occasionally (library books are free!) to keep it fresh.

After reading, ask two or three simple questions: 'Who was your favourite character?', 'What was the funniest part?', 'Would you like to do what the character did?' These conversations build comprehension, vocabulary, and show your child that reading is worth talking about. If your child is getting extra support at Minal's Classes, communicate with their teacher about which books they are reading at home.