Research shows that one of the most important things a parent can do to boost the educational chances fo their children is to read to them. Just 10 minutes a day reading to your child can make an enormous difference to your child’s enjoyment of reading and to their confidence in themselves as a reader. This then impacts so many other areas in school.

The purpose of each child's reading journal is to help support your child to become a life-long reader and develop a love of reading. Please sign the ‘reading log’ each week to record that your child has read. This can also include being read to by an adult.

They don’t need to write in the ‘notes’ section every week but as and when it suits them during each half-term. They can share what they’ve been enjoying reading at home and celebrate their reading successes and journey. They can also ask questions.

When should I stop reading to my child at home?

Never - if you can manage it! Children learn about stories and learn to read well by having stories read to them. It is the experience that draws them into reading until they can eventually read independently those books that have previously been read to them. The next stage of reading, facing longer and more demanding texts, requires the same support. At every stage of your child’s reading development it is important not to underestigmate the importance of reading to them or reading together.

Recommended Reads for Year 4:

Varjak Paw

by SF Said 

Pedigree cat Varjak Paw lives in a luxurious mansion with his family, but when trouble comes to their door, he’s forced to escape to the streets to enlist the help of a sworn enemy. A modern adventure which considers what it is to be persecuted for coming from a different culture, and, at the same time, find strength in the wisdom passed down from our ancestors

• Adventure
• Classics
• Thriller

• Planet Omar: Accidental Trouble Magnet

  by Zanib Mian, illustrated by Nasaya Mafaridik 

  Planet Omar has all of the everyday life family drama and silly humour of Tom Gates and Sam Wu, and it’s wonderful to read a funny book for kids featuring a Muslim family.

  • Funny

Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum

by Hannah Tunnicliffe, illustrated by Erica Harrison 

Stanley the Detective dog is brought out of retirement for one last intriguing case in this highly illustrated and hilarious mystery story. 

• Mystery
• Graphic novels