Reading aloud to, and reading with, your child are far more than a bedtime ritual. It is one of the most powerful ways you can support their development, both academically and emotionally. When an adult reads with a child, it helps to build vocabulary, understanding, narrative skills, and a sense of connection to language that goes beyond simple decoding. Children (of all ages) who enjoy regular, shared reading are more likely to have a stronger understanding of spoken language, and these early advantages lay the groundwork for future success.
Beyond the measurable academic effects, reading together also nurtures something arguably more precious; your relationship with your child. When you read with your child, you are creating a safe space for discussion, imagination, and mutual discovery. The back-and-forth of talking about the story, asking questions, pointing out new words or ideas, helps your child feel heard and encourages curiosity.
This shared time can build confidence as well. Children who see reading as something they do with you, not just for school, are more likely to develop a lifelong love of books. They learn that reading is not a chore, but a way to explore, to connect, and to use their imaginations. When they are ready to read independently, if your child is reading for pleasure, encourage them to read what they enjoy. Whilst a challenging story is always good, a biography of their favourite sports star, a book about dinosaurs, or even the latest cookbook from a YouTube channel they follow is perfectly fine. Audiobooks and graphic novels are also an excellent gateway, allowing children to make the transition to chapter books and more challenging books smoothly and with interest. Give them the audiobook of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, and it won’t be long until they are looking at the hardback edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, eager to get their hands on such a weighty tome. On the subject of bookshops online and in reality, the new Oxfam Bookshop on Blatchington Road has excellent Children’s and Young Adult sections, and Afrori in Brighton and The Book Nook in Hove are highly recommended independent booksellers.
Here are some simple ways you can weave shared reading into your daily life:
1. Start early and keep going — It’s never too soon. All children enjoy being read to.
2. Make it interactive — Ask open questions (“What do you think happens next?” or “How was that character feeling when they did that?”, with younger children – talk about the pictures.
3. Be consistent (not perfect) — A few minutes every day is more powerful than long, occasional sessions.
4. Choose what your child loves — Whether it’s picture books, short stories, poems, or nonfiction, if they’re engaged, it’s working.
5. Be part of the journey — Share in delight, curiosity, and even in the challenge of longer words or tricky plots and make sure they see you reading, too!
Reading is not just something that is important at the lower end of the school, every book our Seniors read increases their “wordpower” and vocabulary, increasing the sophistication of their essay writing. Mr Gallagher has a “13 Before 13” list of novels that our Upper School should aim to tick off before they leave Prep School. Teachers across the school are always happy to discuss their own reading habits, and recommend books that they enjoyed when they were our pupils’ age. Our newly redecorated Library has a suggestions box, where children can request new titles and authors.
At St Christopher’s we instill a love of learning that will last a lifetime, and reading is at the very heart of learning.
Ms Elizabeth Lyle, Head