At our school, we talk a lot about the power of reading—and that’s because it truly makes a difference. Reading at home, even for just a few minutes each day, helps children grow their vocabulary, strengthen their imagination, and build confidence in every subject. Most importantly, it creates a special moment of calm and connection in busy family lives.

You don’t need special books or lots of time to make reading part of your routine. Little and often is best. Five to ten minutes before bed, while waiting for dinner, or curled up on the sofa at the weekend can make a huge impact. Children also love hearing stories read aloud, even when they’re capable readers themselves—it models fluency and helps them hear language in a natural, enjoyable way.

Here are a few simple ideas to help at home:

• Make reading a habit: Pick a regular time each day. A cosy routine helps children look forward to it.
• Let them choose: Comics, recipe books, magazines, football facts—if they’re reading, it counts!
• Talk about the story: Ask gentle questions like, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Which character is your favourite?”
• Show that reading matters: Let your child see you reading too—even a newspaper or shopping list sends the message that reading is useful and enjoyable.
• Celebrate progress: Praise your child for effort, curiosity, and sticking with a tricky word.