Reading: A Foundation for Learning and Life

Reading plays a vital role in a child’s development, supporting not only academic success but also wellbeing, confidence and essential life skills. As a school, we see every day how strong reading habits help children to flourish — in the classroom and beyond.

This blog is divided into two key sections.

The first explores why reading is so important for children, highlighting how regular reading strengthens learning, language and thinking skills.
The second focuses on why parents reading with their children matters, and how shared reading time helps to develop communication, emotional wellbeing and lifelong habits.

Together, these two elements show how reading at home and school works hand in hand to support children as they grow into confident, curious and thoughtful learners.

Why Reading Matters So Much for Children

Reading is one of the most powerful tools we can give our children — not just for success in school, but for life. When children read regularly, they are not simply learning to decode words; they are building the foundations for thinking, communicating, understanding others and making sense of the world around them.

Even just 20 minutes of reading a day has a remarkable impact. Over time, children who read daily are exposed to millions of words, helping them to develop a broad vocabulary and strong general knowledge. This supports learning across every subject, from maths and science to history and geography.

Reading also strengthens:

Concentration and focus, as children learn to sustain attention
Memory, as they track characters, events and ideas
Critical thinking, as they predict, question and make connections
Writing skills, because strong readers naturally become stronger writers

Perhaps most importantly, reading opens up a world of imagination. Through stories, children explore different lives, cultures and experiences, helping them to develop empathy, curiosity and a genuine love of learning.

Why Parents Reading With Their Children Is So Important

While independent reading is vital, nothing replaces the impact of an adult reading with a child. When parents read aloud, share stories, or talk about books together, children gain far more than literacy skills.

Reading together:

Builds strong emotional connections and shared routines
Gives children the confidence to ask questions and express ideas
Models fluent reading, expression and enjoyment
Creates positive associations with books and learning

Children who are read to regularly learn that reading is not just something done for school, but something done for pleasure, comfort and connection. These shared moments help children to feel safe, valued and listened to — key foundations for wellbeing and resilience.

Reading together also supports essential life skills:

Communication – talking about characters, choices and feelings
Empathy – understanding different perspectives
Self-regulation – calming, focused time in a busy day
Confidence – knowing their voice and thoughts matter

Even when children can read independently, continuing to read with them sends a powerful message: your learning matters, and I care about it.

A Small Habit with a Big Impact

Reading does not need to be complicated or time-consuming. A short, consistent daily routine, even just 20 minutes, can transform a child’s learning journey and their relationship with books.

By reading every day, and by reading together whenever possible, we are helping children to grow not only as readers, but as thoughtful, confident and compassionate individuals.