Parents can play a crucial role in encouraging their child’s reading.

We all know that reading is vital for learning and success at school. But what you may not know, is that reading for enjoyment is just as important as reading for learning.

Reading for pleasure helps a child to:

• Discover new ideas and concepts that build the foundation for school subjects.
• Develop a wide vocabulary and better language skills.
• Explore new experiences through the safety of books.
• Develop imagination and creative thinking.
• Develop emotional intelligence and empathy.

Another benefit of spending time reading to your child is that it strengthens your relationship with them. Reading together is one of the greatest gifts that a parent can give to their child.

Storybooks

Use the Ulwazi Lwethu Storybooks to assist your child’s reading journey!

Where do I start?

Make a commitment

• Set aside time every day to read to your child. A bedtime story is a great way to do this.
• Try to establish this habit long before your child learns to read and keep the habit going as long as you can.

Be a good role model

• Be a reader yourself. Have books, newspapers and magazines at home – let your child see you reading.
• Take your child to libraries and bookshops – new and second-hand bookshops.
• When you read aloud to a child, read with interest and enthusiasm.

Focus on enjoyment

• Reading for schoolwork should never take the place of reading for pleasure because both are important;
• Children need time to do both.
• Don’t put pressure on your child about the reading level or subject matter of the books they read for enjoyment.
• Don’t rule out comics, graphic novels, and magazines because all reading is good practice.

Storybook levels are clearly explained and will guide your storybook selection process.