Children are expected to read every day at home. Regular reading helps to develop a range of important skills including fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, confidence and a love of reading.

Children who have not yet become a free reader will bring home a banded reading book along with their reading record. A free reader is a child who can read confidently and fluently without needing a book that is matched to a specific reading band.

For children who are not yet free readers, we ask that they read daily with an adult. Please listen to your child read and record this in their reading record. It is also very helpful to support their understanding by asking questions about the characters, setting and plot, which helps to develop their comprehension skills.

Children will also bring home a book from their class library. Sometimes this book may be above their current reading level, particularly if they are still developing their independent reading skills. In this case, we encourage parents and carers to read the book to their child so they can still enjoy stories that match their chronological age, while continuing to practise reading books at their reading level.

Children who are free readers are also encouraged to read every day. This may include reading independently, reading aloud to an adult, or sharing a book together. We encourage parents and carers to talk with their child about what they are reading. Simple book talk questions can support understanding and enjoyment, such as:

• Do you like the book? Why or why not?

• What has happened in the story so far?

• Who is your favourite character?

• What do you think might happen next?

Talking about books helps children deepen their understanding, reflect on what they read and develop a lifelong enjoyment of reading.

Additional Information for Parents and Families 

Please click on the link below to find out more information about how you can better support your children with their reading at home.

Parents and families | National Literacy Trust