The Reading Place and Learning Centre

Reading Tip #3 for Parents: Model the Joy of Reading

Children often mirror what they see. If parents treat reading as a chore, kids will too. But if parents show genuine excitement—curling up with a book, laughing at a story, or sharing a fascinating fact—children learn that reading is enjoyable and rewarding.

Here’s how to put this into practice:

• Read in front of your child: Let them see you with a book, magazine, or even an article.
• Share snippets: Pause to tell them something interesting you just read.
• Create family reading time: Even 15 minutes where everyone reads their own book builds a culture of literacy.
• Celebrate stories: Talk about characters, lessons, or funny moments together.

This tip isn’t about forcing reading—it’s about showing that books are companions, not assignments.

🌱 Basic Reading Tip #3 for Parents: Use Everyday Print Around the Home

Encourage your child to notice and read the words that surround them daily—labels on food packages, signs in the community, recipes, calendars, or even text messages. This helps children understand that reading isn’t just for books; it’s a life skill woven into everyday routines.

• Practical step: Invite your child to read the cereal box at breakfast or the shopping list before heading to the store.
• Why it matters: It builds confidence, shows the usefulness of reading, and strengthens word recognition in real-world contexts.
• Bonus idea: Turn it into a playful challenge—“How many words can we find in the kitchen today?”

Tip 2: Talk about the story together.
After reading, spend 5 minutes discussing what stood out.

For non‑readers, ask simple questions like “What was your favorite picture?” or “What do you think will happen next?” For readers, invite them to retell the story in their own words, or connect it to something in real life. This builds comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking—while showing children that reading is not just decoding words, but making meaning and sharing ideas.

👉 The progression looks like this:

1. Daily ritual → anchors consistency and joy.
2. Shared talk → deepens understanding and makes reading social.

Here’s one powerful, for parents of both reading and non‑reading students:

Make reading a daily shared ritual, not just a school task.
Parents to set aside 10–15 minutes each day to read with their child—whether that means reading aloud to a non‑reader, or letting a reader take turns reading aloud. The key is consistency and joy: children see that reading is part of family life, not just homework.