Tip 1: Read together

Children need to read little and often, so snuggle up with a book or sit at the screen together at a time that works for you both.

Tip 2: Learn everywhere you go

Show your child how you can learn everywhere you go. Point out words they might recognise, including signs and logos in the street or on labels.

Tip 3: All join in

Start asking your child to join in with bits that they have learnt in stories, e.g. ‘Run run as fast as you can! You can’t catch me I’m the gingerbread man!’.

Tip 4: Talk about books, words and pictures

Before you start reading a book, talk about the title and the pictures on the cover. Look through the pictures together and ask your child what they think the story might be about.

Tip 5: Talk about stories and events

As you read and when you’ve finished, sometimes ask questions about the story. What was your favourite bit? What do you think about that? What would you do?

Tip 6: Listen to and sing songs and rhymes

Singing lots of songs and nursery rhymes helps your child to hear the sounds in words and build up a bank of known favourites.