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, ILT Education UK 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 for 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.

You might encourage families to use fairy lights or winter decorations to create a cosy festive feel, helping children associate reading with comfort and calm.

 

Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud is a powerful way to bond with children while exposing them to new vocabulary and ideas. Suggest choosing books that are slightly above a child's independent 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.

A simple daily reading moment can help anchor busy or unpredictable festive days.

 

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.

Winter offers a unique opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and nurture literacy in meaningful ways - even small reading moments can have a lasting impact.

 

How can ILT Education UK help?

ILT Education UK provides research-aligned digital tools that make literacy inclusive, engaging, and impactful.

Products like Polylino, Giglets, Aski Raski, and Nessy provide schools and families with flexible, high-quality resources that make reading enjoyable and achievable for every learner.

From multilingual stories and picture books to phonics, decoding practice, and structured support for struggling readers, these products ensure that every child can experience success, at home or in the classroom, throughout the festive season.

To explore how these resources can support your pupils this winter, visit our free trial page and sign up today.