• Turn off your mobile phone
• Turn off the TV
• Turn off any other interruptions
• If you are right handed, sit on your child’s right. If you are left handed sit on their left
• Sit up at a table
• Make use of a notepad and pen to jot down unfamiliar words

Why hear your child read? 

• It will build a closer bond between you!
• It gives your child uninterrupted precious time with you.
• It gives your child a voice.
• It helps promote their self-esteem.
• It makes your child feel important.
• 75% of the jobs needed in the future have not been invented yet and reading is the main key skill that will support our child future.
• Reading is fun and part of our life's story – we all tell stories!!
• Books encourage hobbies and interests outside the home.
• Reading for pleasure is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child.
• Reading is infectious; If you read, your child will read and they will develop a love of reading too.
• Your child will become more confident with tricky, unfamiliar words in the future and will find it easier to ‘have a go’!   
• Show patience and kindness.
• Reading is an IT skill and will help with IT literacy.
• Reading isn't easy... There are 44 different sounds to remember and once learnt, your child will be able to decode any word.
• If you read and enjoy reading they will. Let them see you engrossed in a book.
• Don't cover up the pictures, they are a vital clue as to what is going on and will help your child read new words.
• The art work in picture books is often stunning and beautiful – enjoy the art work together.
• You get to 'play the clown'; read the sentences in a funny voice! Make your child laugh and giggle!  It’s good for their soul! (and yours).
• There are many on-line providers where you can access children’s books cheaply.
• Buy a variety of books – critique ones you like /don’t like.
• It’s important for you to read so children will want to read books.  
• Be an active listener to your child so they will want to read to you!
• It will build a closer bond between you!