Reading

Sharing a book with a child is fun! It’s a time for closeness, laughing and talking together – and it can also give children a flying start in life and help them become lifelong readers.

We love to read at Myrddin Community Primary School.  Every classroom from Nursery to Year 6 has an inviting reading area.  In our reading areas you can find Fiction/ Non-Fiction, poetry, fairytales and picture books.  We like to encourage children to read and share books in school and at home.  Sharing a book together with your child is bonding, relaxing and gives you both the opportunity to go on a journey together.  Reading for pleasure will help develop your child’s vocabulary, communication, concentration, empathy and imagination!

Encouraging a love of reading and things you can do at home:

With lots of other activities competing for their time, how can you encourage your children to make time for reading and listening to stories?  Here are a few other ideas:
  • Read yourself! It doesn’t matter what it is – pick up a newspaper or magazine, take a look at a cookery book, read a manual, enjoy some poetry. And get your children to join in – if you’re cooking, could they read the recipe? Could you read it together and follow the pictures? If you’re watching TV, can they read out the listings or spot signs in the street
  • Book swap- your children and their friends to swap books with each other – it’ll give them a chance to read new stories, and get them all talking about what they’re reading.
  • Visit the local library together or join the online library. It’s always fun choosing new books to read. https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/libraries-archives/ 
  • Have a family bookshelf. If you can, have bookshelves in your children’s bedrooms, too.
  • Take time to look together at the words and pictures in a story
  • Use your hands and face as well as your voice – your child will love to see you smiling
  • Use animal sounds like woof, growl and hoot – this will really help to bring the story to life
  • Stories and rhymes can be shared with the whole family so why not invite siblings or other family members to join in?
  • Don’t be shy, relax and enjoy – if you are having fun so will your child.
  • Try to encourage your child to read at least 3 times per week for a minimum of 20 minutes.
  • Ask questions when listening to your child read aloud.

Here are some useful links for reading:

Our Reading Dog