early school years: 5-7 years

Once at school, your child will be taught to read in class. This is a skill they will need for the rest of their lives and you can play a vital role in encouraging them. Your school may ask you to help your children work through their reading scheme but try not to let this be the only reading you do.

Reading at home is also about reading for pleasure, about helping your child discover the books and stories they enjoy. Some children read for the story - to find out what happens next. Others want 'information'. Many boys prefer books of facts or tales about real people, places or inventions.

Even though the emphasis at this age may be on reading and writing, spoken words are still very important too. Having fun with songs and rhymes, pretend games, retelling or inventing stories, or just chatting, will develop your child's language, thinking and confidence.

5 story activities

1. Continue reading aloud and telling stories - taking turns to read or tell as their skills develop. Leave books, comics and magazines around and give them as presents.
2. Try not to pressurise children about reading. Be patient and positive and keep homework sessions short if they find them hard.
3. Allow your child to choose their own reading material from a library, shop or catalogue. It may not always be what you would choose but they are more likely to read it. They may also want to return to picture books or familiar favourites, which is fine.
4. Make up stories together and turn them into shows or picture books, letters or diaries. Tell them stories of when you were their size.
5. Share the internet together. Visit Jackanory or Poetry Archive, Booktime's Booky's World or Storybird.