Reading with your child is one of the most valuable things you can do to support their learning. While children begin to develop independent reading skills during primary school, continuing to read together at home provides important benefits for their language development, confidence and enjoyment of books.
Regular shared reading helps children build strong literacy skills while also creating positive family routines and encouraging curiosity about the world.
Building Language and Vocabulary
Books introduce children to a wider range of vocabulary and ideas than they often encounter in everyday conversation. Hearing stories read aloud helps children learn new words, understand sentence structures and develop stronger listening skills.
The UK children’s reading charity BookTrust highlights that reading regularly with children supports language development and can have long-lasting benefits for learning and wellbeing (BookTrust, 2023).
As children listen to stories, they also learn how narratives work—how stories begin, develop and conclude—which supports their own reading and writing.
Supporting Literacy and School Learning
Reading regularly at home helps children become more confident readers. The more children engage with books, the more opportunities they have to practise recognising words, understanding meaning and developing reading fluency.
Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that children who enjoy reading are more likely to read frequently and tend to achieve better literacy outcomes than those who do not read for pleasure (National Literacy Trust, 2023).
Reading together also allows parents to support comprehension by discussing stories, asking questions and encouraging children to think about what they have read.
Developing Imagination and Empathy
Stories allow children to explore different experiences, cultures, and perspectives. Through books, children encounter characters who face challenges, solve problems and learn about relationships.
Talking about these stories with your child helps them develop empathy and emotional understanding. It also encourages imagination, curiosity and creativity—important skills for learning both in and beyond the classroom.
Strengthening Family Connections
Reading together also provides valuable time for connection. Sharing a book creates a calm moment in the day where children feel supported and engaged with a parent or caregiver.
Many families find that reading before bedtime becomes a positive daily routine that children look forward to.
Encouraging a Love of Reading
Developing a love of reading is one of the most important long-term benefits of reading together. When children associate books with enjoyment and shared time, they are more likely to become enthusiastic independent readers.
Children who read for pleasure tend to read more often, which further strengthens their vocabulary, comprehension and general knowledge.
How Parents Can Support Reading at Home
You can support your child’s reading development in simple ways:
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Read with your child regularly, even for a short time each day.
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Encourage your child to choose books that interest them. All Ficino School students visit the library once a week to withdraw books. Take a look at the library catalogue HERE.
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Talk about the story and ask questions about what might happen next.
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Continue reading aloud, even after your child becomes a confident reader.
