At Hayes Primary School, we continue to develop a strong culture of reading for pleasure because we know it makes a real difference to children’s learning and wellbeing. Research shows that children who enjoy reading and read regularly are more likely to develop strong comprehension, vocabulary and grammar skills, as well as wider knowledge and empathy. Reading for pleasure is also linked to greater wellbeing, confidence and educational attainment.

Reading for Pleasure at School

We run a wide range of activities to inspire children to love reading, including:

• Daily reading aloud in class from a variety of high-quality texts
• Class reading journals
• Reading assemblies
• Inspiring reading corners and book displays
• A well stocked library, and Year Group corridor libraries
• World Book Day celebrations
• Visits from authors and poets
• Displays of new book releases and recommended reads
• Subscription to First News (KS2)– a weekly newspaper for young readers

These experiences are designed to ensure children see reading as enjoyable, purposeful and part of everyday life.

Reading at Home – How You Can Help

Supporting reading at home is one of the most effective ways to help your child develop as a reader. We recommend spending at least 10 minutes each day reading together. This can be a mix of:

• Your child reading their school book to you
• You reading a story to your child
• Taking turns reading pages or paragraphs

Sharing books creates valuable opportunities to explore new vocabulary, talk about characters and ideas, and make links with the learning happening in school.

Top Tips for Enjoyable Home Reading

Make books part of family life
Keep a selection of books, comics and magazines at home so reading is always accessible.

Join your local library
Getting a library card gives children access to a huge range of books and often free reading events.

Match books to interests
Whether it’s fiction, non-fiction, comics or poems, reading what your child loves builds confidence and enjoyment.

All reading counts
Encourage reading of all types of text — from instructions and recipes to leaflets and signs.

Create a cosy reading spot
Find a comfy, calm place to read together.

Ask questions
While reading, ask things like “What might happen next?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”

Read everywhere
Have a book or magazine handy for downtime, such as while waiting for appointments.

Re-read favourites
Returning to beloved books helps build fluency and confidence.

Bedtime stories
Reading together at the end of the day can become a cherished routine.

Rhyme and repetition
Books with rhythm and repeated phrases support memory and early language skills.

Helpful Resources for Home

Expert guidance and activities for parents:

• Advice on encouraging reading for pleasure and choosing books 👉 Oxford Owl Reading for pleasure pages (including ideas for different ages) https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-for-pleasure/

• Practical support for reading skills and comprehension 👉 Oxford Owl Reading comprehension guidance https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/reading/reading-comprehension/

Recommended reading and ideas:

• School Reading List – book suggestions by age and interest - https://schoolreadinglist.co.uk/
• Scholastic reading guides and spines for primary school - https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/education/reading-spine
• LoveReading4Kids – book recommendations for children - https://www.lovereading4kids.co.uk/
• BookTrust – curated lists of best books and new releases - https://www.booktrust.org.uk/
• Common Sense Media – age-appropriate book lists and reviews - https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews

Words for Life

For even more reading activities and fun ideas for babies, toddlers and children up to age 11, visit the Words for Life section of the National Literacy Trust website. These activities are designed to make reading enjoyable and support children’s reading development at every stage. 

https://wordsforlife.org.uk/