the story home

Home has a huge impact on children's learning and especially their reading habits. Whatever your own skill level here are 5 simple ways that you can help your child, from babyhood to teens.

1. have fun

We all learn best when we're enjoying ourselves. Go with the flow - pick stories and books that you both like and stop when you've had enough. If it's play, not work, they'll come back for more

2. keep talking

At every age you can boost your child's language, learning and confidence by speaking and listening to them whenever you can. Young children find it much easier to learn language from their adults than from televisions or computers.

3.  do it yourself

If you want your child to enjoy books and stories let them see you enjoy them too. Look at books or magazines or newspapers when your children are around. Or listen to stories on CD or the radio. Your example is more powerful than you think.

4.  get some story stuff

Children who grow up in homes with stories and books learn faster. You can help by making sure your child always has a supply of suitable books or story CDs plus scrap paper and pencils, and a place to keep them. You can borrow books and CDs for free from your local library.

5. give it time

It takes many years for a child to become a fluent speaker and listener, reader and writer. You can help by making peaceful time for this learning - time to talk, time to hear you read or tell stories, time - if they wish - to get lost in a book on their own. Don't rush: just enjoy each stage for as long as it lasts.

With thanks to Amelia Foster for her advice.