News

8 December 2021

Children and Reading: Great Tips

Children and Reading: Great Tips

Not long after you arrive at the Kindergarten door you are asked to listen to your child read, often with little instruction on exactly how to do this. If your child struggles to read, especially after a long day at school and for you a long day at work, this process can be even more fraught.

So how should you engage in books and reading with your children?

Read to them often….snuggle down on the lounge, turn off all the technology, grab a pile of their favourites and read, read, read. Children love to be read to.  A child’s love of books and stories begins a long time before they can be independent readers and it’s our job to cultivate and nurture the love. Reading to your child builds vocabulary and comprehension. Children with a broad vocabulary are better readers. They are more able to comprehend both the written and spoken word, make learning connections, and it helps them spell, predict and decode new words.

Read together…there are a couple of ways to do this. There is a process called read-a-long, which requires the readers to read along together. Hold your child’s finger and follow along under the words. You lead, keep the pace and the reading fluent. For the older reader you can simply take turns reading a paragraph or page. Reading with your child builds fluency, comprehension and confidence. You can also use this time as an opportunity to emphasis sounds in words in relation to letters and to talk about rhyming words and word families.

Independent reading…Children need to practise reading, everyday and everywhere, street signs, billboards, birthday invitations, it all counts. Just like any skill the more you practise the better you get. Remember this time is about practising reading not testing reading. Firstly, explain to your child why they need to practise the skill. I talk to children about ‘building their reading muscles.’  Then, think about yourself as a reader, there are certain things we do without thinking that are good reading behaviours. These include:

  • Reading a blurb or synopsis to get an idea about the story, encourage your child to look at the cover and title and think about what the book might be about. Prepare their brain for the reading
  • Practising a reading before reading aloud, allow your child to quietly practice before reading to you
  • Check unknown words, allow your child to ask you how to read new or unknown words, encourage them to work it out supported by you

Once your child is ready to read use Pause, Prompt, Praise when they encounter new words.

Pause– give them about 5 seconds of thinking time to self-correct.

Prompt– offer prompts such as

  • Keep reading and see if that helps you to work out the difficult word
  • Look at the sound – what would make sense using that clue?
  • Go back to the beginning of the sentence and reread, get your mouth ready to make the sound – what word does your brain want to say?
  • Look at the pictures, do they give you a clue?
  • Try chunking the word, break it up into smaller chunks of sound
  • Try stretching the word, run your finger along it and stretch out the sounds

Try one or two of these, if they don’t work ask your child if they would like you to tell them the word or help them to work it out. This is an opportunity for you to model using the prompts.

Praise– the reading behaviour: ‘I like the way you re-read to make sense. I like the way you broke the word into chunks, used the beginning sound, used the picture cue.’ We can even say ‘I liked the way you stopped at that word and asked for help so that the story made sense.’

Talk about books…international research tells us that parents who read to and with their children and have conversations about social and political issues give their children academic advantage.  We know books allow us entry into a world of imagination, but they also give us opportunity to talk about social and political issues with our children. How does a little deaf and mute boy use diplomacy to end a war? (Boy, Phil Cummings) What do each of us and our culture bring to the Australian landscape? (I’m Australian Too, Mem Fox) How do we learn to be just who we are and by doing so make the world a better place? (Hark Its Me Ruby Lee, Lisa Shanahan). After the reading, do the talking. Share the story, its meaning and message.

Books are for enjoyment, sharing, learning and coming together. Make this the focus of your reading with your child, a special and precious time to stop, share, talk and learn together.

Happy reading!

Words | Mary Ryan

Mary is an educator with more than 30 years experience. She has taught Kindergarten to Year 6 and has held a number of leadership positions in schools across Sydney. Mary has a particular interest in the space between school and home and a determination to empower families and schools to work positively together for the benefit of children.

Related Articles

Read, Grow, Inspire: Mary Ryan on Children's Book Week

News | Book Life | Events & Festivals

22 August 2023

Read, Grow, Inspire: Mary Ryan on Children's Book Week

How to Get Them Hooked! Motivating Reluctant Readers

News

10 May 2023

How to Get Them Hooked! Motivating Reluctant Readers

How Audiobooks Help Children Learn To Read

Kids & Ya

24 November 2022

How Audiobooks Help Children Learn To Read

Screens Down, Books Up: 4 Tips to Reignite the Spark of Reading

News | Book Life

24 March 2022

Screens Down, Books Up: 4 Tips to Reignite the Spark of Reading

A New Year’s Resolution For Parents

News | Book Life

3 December 2021

A New Year’s Resolution For Parents

The Power of Reading: How Books Help Develop Children’s Empathy and Boost Their Emotional Development

News | Book Life

3 March 2021

The Power of Reading: How Books Help Develop Children’s Empathy and Boost Their Emotional Development

Tips on how to steer your child’s reading in the right direction

Kids & Ya

9 December 2020

Tips on how to steer your child’s reading in the right direction

Reading: the secret to living a longer life

News | Book Life

4 March 2020

Reading: the secret to living a longer life

    Reading: the secret to a longer life

    Kids & Ya

    26 November 2019

    Reading: the secret to a longer life

    Transforming Lives

    Kids & Ya

    25 June 2019

    Transforming Lives

    COMMENTS

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    1. Helen says:
      8 August 2018 at 10:29 am

      Thanks so much for this, Mary.

      I’m a teacher, and currently work as a private tutor. I’ve just started working with a yr 1 student who is experiencing reading difficulties.

      While I know all of these tips, it’s a bonus for me to have an article all ready to give to the parents.

      I’ll be printing it and taking it with me today.

      Reply
    2. ElizaLamble says:
      14 November 2023 at 7:31 am

      Fantastic tips for fostering a love of reading in children! These insights not only make learning enjoyable but also create a lifelong bond with books. The emphasis on making reading a shared and interactive experience is key. Kudos for encouraging parents and educators to nurture the joy of exploration through literature.

      Reply
    3. KiaraHelbig says:
      14 November 2023 at 8:19 am

      Exploring the captivating world of imagination through the lens of vibrant children images is truly heartwarming. These photos on Depositphotos beautifully capture the essence of joy and discovery in the realm of reading. Witnessing children immersed in books not only fosters a love for literature but also cultivates a lifelong passion for learning. The images radiate positivity, showcasing the profound impact that reading can have on young minds. Kudos to the photographers for encapsulating these precious moments that inspire a love for storytelling and the magic that unfolds within the pages of a book.

      Reply
    4. David says:
      4 January 2024 at 6:35 pm

      A child’s love of books begins before they can read independently, so nurturing this drift hunters love is crucial.

      Reply
    5. Andree Oren says:
      30 January 2024 at 8:51 pm

      The only time I enjoy physics is when it involves merging fruits in Watermelon Game. Who knew Newton’s laws could be so fruity?

      Reply
    6. Windsor says:
      6 February 2024 at 2:06 am

      Even though I am already aware of all of these suggestions, it will help me if I have an essay prepared to send to the parents. online paintig for sale florida

      Reply
    7. Beauti gupta says:
      28 February 2024 at 5:16 pm

      If you have any questions or need help with your coursework, Arekere Escorts Service feel free to ask, and I’ll do my best to assist you.

      Reply
    8. Nanasi12 says:
      10 April 2024 at 2:45 pm

      Play word games for free at waffle game. You will have comfortable moments with friends and family. Moments of relief after tiring work

      Reply
    9. projectorwaist says:
      25 June 2024 at 7:53 pm

      When your child is one year old, it is important they have a routine before bedtime geometry dash.

      Reply
    10. emwchinese says:
      30 September 2024 at 6:32 pm

      Many students often wonder what makes assignments difficult and why they struggle to write them well. Our experts have conducted an analysis and found that most students lack structure, planning, and design in their assignments. Many students do not have a clear understanding of the framework of academic writing, making it challenging for them to produce an excellent assignment. We have a deep understanding of what university professors expect in order to achieve top grades in assignments http://www.emwchinese.com/ , but meeting these criteria can be a nightmare. To help students overcome these challenges, assignment writing services have emerged.

      Reply
    11. George Diamond says:
      21 January 2025 at 11:48 pm

      good info

      Reply
    12. Paige Lowery says:
      17 September 2025 at 6:54 pm

      There’s something inherently funny about being chased by the police in dude theft auto. Instead of dark, tense getaways, you’ll find yourself laughing as blocky cops crash into walls, fall over, and sometimes even outsmart themselves in pursuit. They’re both your greatest threat and your best source of comedy.

      Reply
    13. MUZAMMIL SEO MUZAMMIL SEO says:
      9 October 2025 at 10:38 pm

      Dora Zbierlund may not headline tabloid stories or host talk shows, but her role in shaping 1980s television endures in quiet, meaningful ways. dora zbierlund

      Reply
    14. mage arena says:
      27 October 2025 at 12:09 am

      Such wonderful advice for fostering a love of reading in children – I especially love the “Pause, Prompt, Praise” technique, and it reminds me of the supportive learning environment we create at Mage Arena where every child’s reading journey is nurtured with patience and encouragement.

      Reply
    15. nathan says:
      19 December 2025 at 11:28 pm

      Thank you so much for this, Mary. The article is clear, practical, and incredibly helpful. It’s wonderful to have such a well-prepared resource to share, and I’ll definitely be printing it and using it today. https://minecrftpatch.com

      Reply
    16. lunahayes says:
      6 January 2026 at 3:49 pm

      Reading with your child builds fluency, comprehension and confidence. Escape Road City can also use this time as an opportunity to emphasis sounds in words in relation to letters and to talk about rhyming words and word families.

      Reply
    17. bharatclub says:
      9 January 2026 at 7:27 pm

      The BHT Club app provides a smooth mobile gaming experience with a clean interface. Users find it easy to navigate and play.

      Reply
    18. Ahsan sahab says:
      18 January 2026 at 12:31 am

      Children and Reading: Great Tips

      Encourage reading by letting children choose books they enjoy and reading together every day, even for a few minutes. Create a cozy reading space and make books part of daily routines to build a lasting habit.
      https://minecraftpatchdownload.com/

      Reply
    19. Snaptroid says:
      27 January 2026 at 7:06 pm

      Such great, practical tips for encouraging kids to enjoy reading. https://snaptroid.app/

      Reply
    20. Haward Stark says:
      14 February 2026 at 1:55 am

      Thanks for your helpful in formation.
      https://kalkulatoronline.de/

      Reply
    21. Mike Jopin says:
      16 February 2026 at 8:33 am

      Snaptroid is a powerful Snapchat alternative that lets you save snaps, download stories, and enjoy advanced privacy features. It offers customization, secure access, and smooth performance for users who want more control.

      Reply
    22. john smith says:
      25 February 2026 at 10:54 pm

      useful info. It was easy to use and had lots of people, but it felt a bit more casual.

      Reply
    23. nikki800 says:
      28 February 2026 at 1:46 am

      What I love about this onenightfriend for local hookups site is how easy it makes meeting sex partner near me who actually want to talk and connect. I’ve met some kind, funny, and ambitious people here. The matching system feels natural and not forced, like the site actually listens to your preferences. I also appreciate the balance between privacy and openness; I always feel safe sharing my story. I met a wonderful person recently, and things are going great. Honestly, this site renewed my faith in online dating.

      Reply
    24. Danish Dani says:
      5 March 2026 at 12:17 am

      hi

      Reply
    25. miannasrullah says:
      5 March 2026 at 8:53 pm

      Children and reading go hand in hand when it comes to building imagination, language skills, and a lifelong love of learning. One of the best tips is to make reading a daily habit, even if it’s just for a few minutes before bedtime. Parents and teachers can also encourage children by choosing colorful and interesting books that match their age and interests. Reading together, asking questions about the story, and letting children pick their own books can make the experience more enjoyable.
      Visit My Website

      Reply
    26. Adil Arshad says:
      14 March 2026 at 3:16 am

      Another thing that sometimes helps children stay interested is mixing reading time with short fun activities or games so learning doesn’t feel tiring. After study time, my kids sometimes enjoy quick browser games for a short break before getting back to books. I recently found a simple site with small games like Snake and reaction challenges that run directly in the browser: https://szgames.io/ — it’s a nice way to relax for a few minutes.

      Reply
    27. capcutapk says:
      14 March 2026 at 6:35 pm

      Capcut.apk
      is a video editing app for mobile devices with free and paid plans. Its free plan includes limited tools, low quality media export, and watermark.

      Reply
    28. gestmok says:
      25 March 2026 at 4:06 am

      This is a really helpful discussion, especially for people trying to improve their health and daily habits. Small tools and simple calculations can make a big difference in tracking progress.

      I recently found this simple BMI calculator that’s quite easy to use: https://bmicalculator-net.com/
      — it might be useful for others here who want to check their BMI quickly.

      Thanks for sharing such useful insights!

      Reply
    29. Muhammad Faisal says:
      30 March 2026 at 8:39 pm

      That’s an interesting discussion. I think a lot of people have similar experiences, especially when things keep changing or getting updated over time.

      In my opinion, it really depends on how you approach it — some prefer more advanced options, while others just want something simple and easy to use without too much effort.

      I’ve personally found that keeping things simple and taking short breaks in between actually helps stay more consistent and avoid frustration. https://szgames-net.github.io/

      Reply
    30. Muhammad Gullsher says:
      2 April 2026 at 9:51 pm

      Yeah, the biggest issue right now isn’t just the events — it’s the lack of breathing room between them. It feels like you’re always forced to choose between saving resources or participating, and either way you lose something.

      The growing champion pool is also making things worse. Pulling a specific legendary, especially a void one, feels almost unrealistic now unless you get extremely lucky or spend heavily. A shard exchange system or guaranteed milestones would really help long-term players stay motivated.

      Also, I’ve noticed burnout is becoming a real thing in this game. After long grinding sessions, taking short breaks actually helps more than pushing through. I usually avoid social media during those breaks and go for quick, lightweight browser stuff instead — just something simple to reset focus.

      I found this small collection recently that works well for quick resets (no installs, runs instantly):
      👉 https://pizzaedition-net.github.io/

      Do you guys usually push through events nonstop, or take breaks in between?

      Reply
    31. Rajab Family says:
      22 April 2026 at 10:54 pm

      Encouraging children to read from an early age helps improve their imagination, vocabulary, and concentration. One of the best tips is to let children choose their own books so they stay interested and enjoy reading more. Reading together as a family also builds stronger habits and makes learning more fun.

      Setting a daily reading routine, even for 15–20 minutes, can make a big difference over time. Using illustrated or story-based books helps younger children understand better and stay engaged. These small habits gradually build strong learning skills and confidence in children.

      For readers who also enjoy learning about different places and journeys, you can explore useful travel and railway information here: https://saudirailway.net/

      Reply