Promoting the Power of Reading to Parents During this Winter Break

The festive season is upon us, and while everyone is ramping up for the big day, many parents are already anticipating the inevitable “I’m bored” after a few days of their children being off school, regardless of the number of toys, activities or TV shows that may be available to them.

As educators, we have a golden opportunity to persuade our pupils (and their parents) to embark on a reading adventure during the holiday break, keeping young minds engaged and enhancing their literacy skills one page at a time.

In the run-up to Christmas, Giglets encourages you to promote at-home reading to your pupils, as well as their families.  There are many ways that parents and carers can build this into their routine over the festive break: 

Lead by Example

Encourage parents to demonstrate the joy of reading by setting a positive example. This can be done by demonstrating to children that adults enjoy a good book, magazine, or even the newspaper. They can show children that reading is not just a task but a source of pleasure and relaxation. Encourage parents and carers to talk to their children about why they enjoy reading and what they are reading. Did they receive a book as a gift? This is a great discussion point on why they like their present.

Family Book Club

What's better than a family movie night? A family book club! Families can choose a captivating book together, set a reading schedule, and gather for lively discussions. It's not just about reading; it's about building a tradition of shared stories that will create lasting bonds and memories. 

Create an Unusual Reading Space

Cold weather and nowhere to go is the perfect combination to creating a fort at home. This is a task that the whole family can get involved in. Once the space is filled with soft pillows, blankets, and, of course, a collection of age-appropriate books, it’s time to sip hot chocolate and enjoy some reading time. This dedicated space also signals to children that reading is a valued and enjoyable activity.

Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud is a powerful way to bond with children while exposing them to new vocabulary and ideas. Choose books that are slightly above their reading level and take turns reading pages. This shared activity creates positive associations with reading.

Set a Reading Routine

Encourage parents to establish a consistent reading routine, whether it's before bedtime, during breakfast, or in the afternoons. Consistency helps create habits, and children often find comfort in routines. During the winter holiday, routines usually take a break, so this is a great way to keep some consistency in their child’s life.

Visit the Library Together

Families can make a trip to the local library over the festive break, though they should check opening hours first. Parents can give their children the opportunity to explore and choose books they find intriguing. Many libraries also host events or reading programs for children, adding an extra layer of excitement.

In conclusion, as we head into the holiday season, let's transcend conventional encouragement for students to read and instead embark on a transformative journey—a family reading revolution. By recognising parents as indispensable allies, we aim to cultivate a profound love for reading and elevate the literacy skills of our young learners within the nurturing embrace of home.

Why not share the tips from above with parents? Download the PDF below and share with parents and carers before your school closes for the Christmas break!

Download PDF for Parents  

How can Giglets help?

Giglets is an online literacy resource designed to inspire a love of reading and develop comprehension skills both in school and at home. The platform has been meticulously crafted with a focus on engagement, inclusivity, and support for all learners. It is a remarkably flexible and dynamic resource, ensuring an enriching experience for every student.

The Giglets online library is always growing and currently contains over 1500 texts in more than 39 languages! The collection caters to diverse interests and reading levels, guaranteeing that every pupil discovers something inspiring and enjoyable.

Teachers can assign books to pupils easily. Whether individual assignments, group activities, or class-wide reading sessions, Giglets simplifies the process, giving you more time to focus on what matters—nurturing a love for learning.

Giglets breaks down barriers with its web-based platform. Accessible through any internet-connected device with any browser, reading is as accessible at home as it is in the classroom.

By providing access to texts online, each child can delve into the platform without the worry of lost or damaged books. For English as an Additional Language (EAL) pupils, Giglets ensures they enjoy the same content as their peers in their mother tongue, fostering a love for reading even in non-English-speaking households whose parents may not speak English.

Book a demo of Giglets today and discover why over 500 schools globally are choosing to work with us to inspire a love of reading and improve pupils' literacy skills.