Talking about books

Talking about books is just as important as reading them. This helps your child understand the story and connect with it. Here are some ideas on what you can talk about.

• Ask what they would like to read about.
• Look at the cover and the title of a storybook and ask what they think the story is about and what might happen.
• Who is the main character in the story?
• What might happen next?
• Does the story make sense? If not, why not?
• Did you enjoy the story? What was your favourite part?
• Encourage your child to ask questions about the story and pictures as you read together.

Listening to your child read

Listening to your child read
out loud will give your child a chance to improve their reading skills.

Remember it's really important to be positive and enthusiastic with your praise as often as you can so that they know they are doing well. Other tips are:

• Show that you are enjoying the book by asking questions.
• Be patient and allow your child to work out the tricky words. Show how they can break the sounds down to work them out.
• Pick a quiet time everyday for reading.
• Guide your child on choosing books that aren't too difficult. Don't worry if they choose ones a little easier than they are able to read. Support them if they read more challenging books. If they are determined to read harder books maybe you can take it in turns to read a bit so that your child doesn't get disheartened when it gets tough.
• Try to get your child to 'listen' to their reading and see if they can hear their mistakes.
• Taking turns to read helps your child hear how they are supposed to be reading.
• Ask questions during and at the end (see above) to check they have understood the story.

200 Common Words

Books to read

There a a huge range of books for 5-6 year olds. Take a look at the links below for suggested ideas.