How to Support Your Child's Reading at Home

You don't have to be a reading expert (like us!) to make a real difference in your child's literacy development. There are simple, meaningful things you can do at home that reinforce what's happening at school and that turn reading into a natural, enjoyable part of family life.

Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud to children (at any age!) helps them to build vocabulary, comprehension, background knowledge, and a love of stories. It also exposes children to the kinds of complex language structures that they might not encounter in their independent reading. Even when children can read independently, being read to is such a gift.

Make Time for Independent Reading

Encourage your child to read independently every day, even if it's just for 10-15 minutes. You will want to think about matching the book to your child's current ability. Books should not be so hard that they’re frustrating but not so easy that they’re boring. Ask your child's teacher what types of books are appropriate for where they are right now.

Talk About Words

Vocabulary grows so much through conversation. When you come across an interesting word in a book, on a sign, or in conversation, take a minute to talk about it together. Where might it come from? What other words does it look or sound like? Making words interesting helps to build the vocabulary foundation that reading comprehension depends on.

Be Patient and Positive!

For children who struggle with reading, reading practice at home can be emotionally loaded. Keep reading sessions short, celebrate effort over accuracy, and follow your child's lead. If reading together is becoming a source of conflict, step back and focus on being read to instead.

Our team at Halifax Learning is always happy to give families specific strategies tailored to their child's current skill level and goals!

Want personalized guidance for supporting your child at home? Ask your Halifax Learning reading expert at your next class, or reach out to me!