Recommended Reading List

Children are never too young to be exposed to book reading. Reading aloud to your children introduces them to the beauty and magic of language. When your child observes you reading, he or she will follow your example and in time, will start to read on his or her own.

We recommend you spend 5-10 minutes reading a book to your young child every day.

We highly recommend creating a reading routine. For example, 10 minutes reading before school or at bedtime will demonstrate the importance of daily reading.

You may like to schedule in regular visits to your local library to attend events such as story times that promote reading together with your child. If your child is reading independently, spend time at the library time choosing books together. You can then read passages from each other’s selected books to share the excitement and love of reading.

As your child reads, always keep in mind whether the book is suitable for their ability. If your child is having trouble reading a word, simply tell them what the word is so they can continue reading. If they are making many mistakes and losing enthusiasm for the book, it is best to choose an easier book instead.

When reading together with your child, let them hold the book. It’s often easier to sit behind your child as they do this. Make sure you read with lots of expression. Put on different voices for book characters – the more fun you make it, the more they will develop a love of books and reading. Before reading a book aloud for the first time, it is best to read the book to yourself first. This will allow you to add more expression when you read it to your child.

Children can be encouraged to read on their own at any age. Most children will develop a strong reading habit and love for reading when parents actively read to them from a young age. There is no need to wait until school or preschool before beginning a journey of reading with your child.

Reading a range of books broadens knowledge and interest in further learning. Consider recommending not only fiction but non-fiction books for your child to read. This will broaden their knowledge of particular topics. Be sure you ask your child to describe to you their favourite part of the book they are currently reading. When visiting public spaces like museums or parks, draw your child’s attention to the great variety of information that can always be found at such places. This helps link book-reading skills to broader reading activities. Some families have special book-reading times where all family members sit together and quietly read their own books. This is often followed by a few minutes of discussion.

If English is not your first language, read books to your child in your native language. You can also borrow English audio books from the local library.

Check your local library for easier yet interesting English books so that your child sees you reading in your non-native language. This will help give your child more confidence to read books in English.