In brief
Reading is one of the most valuable habits a child can develop. It strengthens vocabulary, imagination, communication, knowledge and confidence while helping children succeed across almost every area of learning.
The best way to encourage children to read is by helping them discover books and topics they genuinely enjoy. When reading becomes something they look forward to rather than something they feel they have to do, it often becomes a habit that lasts a lifetime.
A closer look
Why is reading so important?
Reading develops far more than literacy.
Every book introduces new vocabulary, different ways of thinking and opportunities to explore people, places and ideas children may never encounter in everyday life. As children become stronger readers, they often become more confident writers, communicators and learners across many different subjects.
Reading also develops concentration, imagination and curiosity, helping children build skills that continue to benefit them throughout school and beyond.
What if my child doesn't enjoy reading?
Many children simply haven't found the right book yet.
Reading doesn't have to begin with classic novels. Children often become enthusiastic readers through subjects they're already interested in. Books about dinosaurs, football, animals, space, history, cooking, engineering or Minecraft can all spark a love of reading.
Graphic novels, comics, magazines and age-appropriate non-fiction all provide valuable reading opportunities too. The important thing is helping children discover that books can be enjoyable as well as educational.
How can I encourage my child to read more?
Small, consistent habits often have the greatest impact.
You could:
Read together regularly, even as your child becomes more confident.
Visit your local library and let your child choose their own books.
Follow their interests rather than choosing books you think they should read.
Create a regular time for reading as part of your daily routine.
Let your child see you reading too, because children often copy what they see.
Talk about stories together and ask what they enjoyed most.
The goal is to help reading become a natural and enjoyable part of family life.
Does reading always have to be a book?
Every type of reading helps children develop.
Recipes, instruction manuals, maps, magazines, websites, museum displays and newspapers all introduce children to new vocabulary and ideas.
Children who love building might enjoy reading Lego instructions or learning how famous buildings were designed. A child fascinated by wildlife may happily spend hours reading about animals. Someone interested in starting a business might enjoy reading about entrepreneurs or discovering how successful companies began.
The more closely reading connects with your child's interests, the more naturally the habit tends to develop.
Should I ask questions after we've finished reading?
Talking about a book often develops understanding more effectively than testing it.
Ask your child which character they liked most, what surprised them, how they think the story might continue or whether they would recommend the book to someone else.
These conversations help children think more deeply, improve their comprehension and discover that reading is about exploring ideas, not simply recognising words on a page.
How The Mount Encourages a Love of Reading
At The Mount, reading plays an important role throughout school life.
Children are encouraged to explore a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, discover authors and subjects that inspire them and develop the confidence to read with enjoyment and understanding.
Our purpose-built library has been designed to inspire. Its beautiful glass façade overlooks the school's gardens, creating a calm and welcoming environment where children can enjoy reading, research new topics or simply lose themselves in a great book. The library is also open during break times because we want reading to be something children naturally choose to do throughout the school day, not just during lessons.
We believe reading opens doors to every area of learning. Whether children are discovering a new story, researching a topic that fascinates them or expanding their vocabulary through everyday reading, every page helps build knowledge, confidence and curiosity.
Key takeaway
Children rarely become lifelong readers because someone tells them to read more.
They become lifelong readers when they discover books, stories and subjects that capture their imagination. Encouraging your child's interests, reading together and making books a natural part of everyday life helps build a habit that will continue to benefit them throughout their education and for many years to come.
