17 FEBRUARY 2026
Learning to read is one of the most important skills our children learn. Once they can read, they can step into the world of books and gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people in it. There are many ways you can help your child on their journey to becoming a confident reader.
4 minute read
Building strong foundations before school
Before your child starts school, there are many playful ways to support early reading development and communication skills.
You can play sound-and-action games, such as peekaboo or tickle games, that link noises to movement. Singing or saying nursery rhymes with actions also helps children tune into rhythm and sound patterns in language. Sharing picture books by reading aloud to your child builds vocabulary and listening skills, especially when you choose books with rhythm, rhyme and repetition. We’re Going on a Bear Hunt is a wonderful example, and your local library will have many similar stories to explore.
Creating a positive reading environment
Try to make reading a cosy, device-free moment for just you and your child. Sit at their level so they can clearly see the book, your face and the pages. Offer a small selection of books and allow your child to choose which one they would like to read, helping them feel involved and motivated. Read expressively with big gestures, lively facial expressions and plenty of drama to bring the story to life.
Building early phonics awareness
Let your child see your mouth as you speak so they begin to notice the sounds within words, which is an important early step before formal phonics begins. Point to the pictures and give them time to look and listen carefully, encouraging them to repeat words, make comments or ask questions. Occasionally, point to some of the words on the page so they start to connect the story you are telling with the written text. You can even use props such as toys or household objects to act out the story. For example, if you are reading The Gingerbread Man, you might hand them a spoon so they can pretend to stir. Most importantly, keep reading playful and enjoyable for both of you.
Supporting your child once they start school
Once your child begins school, you can continue supporting them as they gradually learn to read more words independently. They will be learning phonics, which teaches them how letters link to sounds and how those sounds can be blended together to read words. You may find the accompanying video ‘Phonics Explained’ helpful in understanding this process.
Staying connected with school
It is important to stay connected to what your child is learning in school, so consider asking the school for information about the specific phonics programme they use. Continuing to read books aloud to your child is still very valuable, as it models what fluent reading sounds like. Your child will soon begin bringing home early reading books for you to share together.
Making reading a daily habit
Even on busy days, try to find a calm ten minutes to enjoy reading, remembering that early stories are usually short and simple. Encourage your child to point to each word as they read, helping them track the text from left to right. Support them in carefully looking at the letters, saying each sound clearly, and blending those sounds together to make a word. If they get stuck, gently show them how phonics can help, and if they are unsure, you might take turns reading a sentence each. Take time to explain the meaning of any unfamiliar words and talk together about the pictures and the storyline to make reading interesting and purposeful.
Above all, keep the experience positive and enjoyable so that your child grows in confidence and develops a lifelong love of reading. Watch the video below to see an example of teaching phonics to a child.