Reading is an occasion for every day, Make it a regular event in the house and at school by following these tips:

For families

• Make sure everyone knows it is a big deal.
• Choose a special book and set it aside.
• Create a cosy reading nook and instill a culture of using it.
• Discuss the stories read and storytelling at the dinner table.
• Take turns reading aloud. If the youngest cannot read yet, have them tell a story inspired by the pictures in the book.
• Share your new family tradition with your family and friends, and post it online.

For schools

• Ask learners to nominate their favourite books to be read aloud.
• Turn the selection process into a fun competition and create badges for different kinds of readers, making sure to be inclusive of all skill levels.
• Invite an author, another teacher, or a loved community member to read to kids.
• Organise an assembly to read aloud together. Select a theme for stories to align with.
• Incentivise readers with book prizes.
• Ring the bell at a predetermined time and make an announcement that everyone will be reading for a specific allocated time.
• Use an unusual meeting spot for reading.
• Have older kids team up with younger kids as reading buddies.
• Include it in the official school calendar.

Reading is a fun activity, and reading aloud doubles the fun by involving the community and people around you.

– Pan MacMillan Publishers