How to raise a reader

There are a number of simple but effective ways you can help your Prep-Year 2 son at home with his reading and writing.

Tips for Prep

• Read a picture book each day to your son and discuss the storyline, pointing out new words to develop their vocabulary
• Play language games (ask your son’s teacher for some ideas if needed)
• Talk about letters and sounds seen in their environment
• When take home books are sent home, spend time listening to your son read and provide support when required
• Books can be read several times to build confidence and fluency

Tips for Year 1

• Help your son to spell the tricky words
• When reading, if your son gets stuck on a word, give him the word and ask him to repeat it
• When your son gets stuck at on a new word, encourage him to have a go sounding out the word
• When reading confidently, encourage him to think about meaning to self-correct
• Talk about stories you read as a child

Tips for Year 2

• When your son is reading at home, give him a few seconds to self-correct
• Ask questions to check for understanding
• Ask your son to summarise the story or discuss any themes from the text
• Read chapter books to your son, it is a valuable way to develop vocabulary

Brought to you by Brighton Grammar School