Get your kids reading — here’s how!

Parents
03 January 2025
Image: A primary school-aged child playing with a woman’s hair as the woman reads her a book.
Encouraging a love for reading in primary school-aged children can be a delightful journey. As parents, you play a crucial role in nurturing this passion. Here are some practical tips and book recommendations to help your child develop a lifelong love for reading.

Create a reading-friendly environment 

Make books easily accessible at home. Create a cosy reading nook with good lighting and comfortable seating. Surround your child with a variety of books that cater to their interests.

Set a reading routine 

Establish a daily reading routine. Whether it’s a bedtime story or a quiet afternoon read, consistency helps build a habit. Even 15 minutes a day can make a big difference. 

Be a reading role model 

Children often imitate their parents. Let them see you reading books, newspapers or magazines. Share your excitement about what you’re reading and discuss it with them. 

Visit libraries and bookshops 

Regular visits to libraries and bookshops can be exciting adventures. Let your child explore different genres and pick books that catch their eye. Many libraries also offer storytelling sessions and reading clubs. 

Engage in reading activities 

Incorporate reading into fun activities. Create a treasure hunt with clues from a book, or act out scenes from their favourite stories. These activities make reading interactive and enjoyable. 

Encourage discussions

Talk about the books your child is reading. Ask open-ended questions about the story, characters, and their thoughts. This not only improves comprehension, but also makes reading a shared experience. 

Use technology wisely 

Many educational apps and e‑books are available that can complement traditional reading. But it is important to balance screen time with physical books to ensure a well-rounded reading experience. 

Book lists for every school year

Reception (Ages 4–5)

The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson 

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen 

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson 

Each Peach Pear Plum by Janet and Allan Ahlberg 

Year 1 (ages 5–6)

  • Elmer by David McKee 
  • The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr 
  • Dogger by Shirley Hughes 
  • The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle 
  • Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak 

Year 2 (ages 6–7)

  • Flat Stanley by Jeff Brown 
  • The Magic Finger by Roald Dahl 
  • The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter 
  • Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne 
  • The Giraffe and the Pelly and Me by Roald Dahl 

Year 3 (ages 7–8)

  • Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White 
  • The BFG by Roald Dahl 
  • The Worst Witch by Jill Murphy 
  • Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren 
  • The Iron Man by Ted Hughes 

Year 4 (ages 8–9)

  • Matilda by Roald Dahl 
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis 
  • How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell 
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett 
  • Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 

Year 5 (ages 9–10)

  • Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling 
  • Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan 
  • Holes by Louis Sachar 
  • The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame 
  • Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 

Year 6 (ages 10–11)

  • Wonder by R.J. Palacio 
  • The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 
  • Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian 
  • Northern Lights by Philip Pullman 
  • The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne