Supporting Your Child's Reading Journey

Reading is one of the most important skills a child will ever learn. At Sandy Lane, we believe that a love for reading starts at home. When you read with your child, you aren’t just helping them decode words; you are opening doors to new worlds, boosting their confidence, and helping them make faster academic progress.

Weekly Routine:

To ensure every child has access to books that are "just right" for their ability, we follow a weekly rotation:

• Wednesday: Two books matched to your child’s reading level are sent home.

• Tuesday: Books should be returned to school to be swapped for new ones.

The Aim: We suggest families read together at least 3 to 5 times per week.

Reading is Everywhere:

Reading doesn't always have to mean sitting down with a school book! You can support your child’s progress by incorporating text into your daily life. Why not try:

• In the Kitchen: Follow a recipe together to bake something tasty.

• Game Night: Read the instructions for a new board game.

• Out and About: Look at street signs, menus, or grocery lists.

• Comics & Magazines: These are great for building stamina and visual literacy.

Tips for Success: 

It’s not just about getting to the end of the book. Talking about what you read is where the magic happens. Try asking these questions to spark a conversation:

"What do you think will happen next?"

"Why do you think the character feels that way?"

"What was your favourite part of the story?"

Why it Matters:

Regular practice at home helps children become more fluent, improves their vocabulary, and most importantly, helps them develop a lifelong habit of reading for pleasure.

More Resources:

If you have questions about your child’s reading level or need tips on how to engage a reluctant reader, please reach out to their class teacher. We are here to help!