Top Tips for Supporting Reading at Home

Reading is one of the most powerful tools for learning, and its benefits extend across all stages of a girl’s education - from the early years of primary school through to the final years of secondary. Whether your daughter is just beginning to sound out words or is analysing complex texts, encouraging regular reading at home can make a meaningful difference to her confidence and academic growth. Here are some practical and flexible tips to help families make reading a natural and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Start by choosing reading material that you and your daughter both enjoy. This might be a picture book, a novel, a magazine, or even a graphic novel. If she loves a particular story, don’t hesitate to revisit it - re-reading helps build fluency and understanding. And remember, reading doesn’t have to be limited to books. Menus, signs, recipes, instructions, and even online articles can all be valuable reading experiences when learning to read.

You don’t need to buy new books to build a great reading habit. The library, second-hand shops and family collections are all excellent sources of reading material. The key is to make reading a regular part of your routine. Whether it’s a bedtime story for a younger girl or a quiet moment after dinner with a teenager, setting aside a regular time each day helps make reading a habit. Older children can also play a special role by reading with or to their younger siblings, creating shared moments and reinforcing their own skills.

If you’re reading aloud, especially with younger girls, it can help to read the book yourself first. This gives you a chance to get familiar with the storyline and any challenging words. When reading together, take your time. Use expression, ask questions, and invite your daughter to join in. For older students, try discussing the cover and title before starting - what do they think the book will be about? What themes or ideas might it explore?

After reading, keep the conversation going. Talk about the characters, the plot, or any interesting ideas that came up. These chats don’t have to be formal - they can happen in the car, while preparing dinner, or during a walk. Don’t feel restricted to reading in the same spot every time. Try the back veranda, the kitchen table, or even a cosy corner of the garden.

A wonderful way to inspire girls as readers and thinkers is by introducing them to female authors. From classic voices like Louisa May Alcott and Enid Blyton to contemporary favourites such as Jacqueline Woodson, Alice Pung, and Melina Marchetta, female writers offer a wide range of perspectives and stories that reflect girls’ experiences, dreams, and challenges. Reading books by women can help girls see themselves in stories, discover new role models, and feel empowered by the voices of those who have come before them. Encourage your daughter to explore books written by women from different cultures, backgrounds, and time periods - it’s a powerful way to broaden her understanding of the world and her place in it.

No matter your daughter’s age, the most important thing is to make reading enjoyable and meaningful. Girls thrive on your attention and value the time spent sharing stories, ideas, and imagination. By making reading a part of everyday life, you’re helping her build skills that will support her learning and enrich her life for years to come. Happy reading!

Dr John Fry

Deputy Principal - Studies