A love of reading is at the heart of everything we do at Severnbanks. We are committed to helping children become confident, capable readers who enjoy books and stories. We work to encourage this passion for reading is shared across our whole school community—from pupils and parents to every member of our staff team.

We know that developing strong reading habits supports learning in every subject and helps children succeed both in school and beyond. That’s why we work hard to inspire a lifelong love of reading in every child. We hope all children love to read and want to read. 

Here you will find links and magazines to encourage reading and to give ideas as to what is out there to read! 

What Does Reading Do for Us at Severnbanks?

At Severnbanks, we know that every child grows and learns in their own way. Reading plays a huge part in that journey. Whether children are reading on their own, sharing a book, or listening to someone read aloud, books help them:

• Explore new places and ideas

• Understand different opinions and form their own

• Develop a sense of humour

• Connect with characters and emotions

• Build empathy

• Discover new worlds

• Grow their imagination

• Learn facts and make links to real life

• Become confident, thoughtful readers

📚 How Do Children Become Better Readers?

As children learn to read fluently and independently, they begin to read for meaning and enjoyment. But even as they grow, it’s still important to read to them. Listening to stories helps children experience books they might not choose themselves—longer stories, richer vocabulary, and more complex ideas. Reading together is also a lovely way to bond as a family.

If your family speaks another language, reading in that language is just as valuable. Stories and rhymes in any language help children develop listening skills and confidence.

🗣️ Talking About Reading

Children still need support as they grow into independent readers. Talking about books, asking questions, and linking stories to their own experiences helps deepen understanding and enjoyment.

👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting Your Child’s Reading

Reading together—whether you’re reading to your child or listening to them read—can motivate them to explore new books and genres. It’s a great way to build confidence and spark curiosity.

🌟 Being a Role Model

Children are inspired by the people around them. If they see you enjoying a book, magazine, or comic, they’re more likely to want to read too. Share your excitement about stories and let them see how much you value reading.

📘 What Should We Read?

There’s a huge variety of children’s books out there, and choosing can feel overwhelming. Let your child help pick what they want to read—studies show that children are more motivated when they choose their own books. Whether it’s from our school collection, the local library, a bookshop, or a charity shop, take time to explore together and find something fun and interesting.

The National Curriculum encourages children to read a wide range of texts, including stories, poetry, myths, legends, plays, non-fiction, and reference books.

If you’re looking for ideas, check out our recommended book lists for each year group.

📖 Choosing Books to Share or Read Together

Think about:

• Is the theme fun or interesting?

• Is the length right for your child’s attention span?

• Are the illustrations engaging?

• Is it a book you’ll enjoy reading more than once?

• Have you read other books by the same author?

• Have friends or teachers recommended it?

📗 Choosing Books for Independent Reading

Check if the book is the right level—not too hard, not too easy. If it’s too difficult, your child might lose interest. If it’s too easy, they might get bored. But re-reading familiar books can still be rewarding and build confidence.

At Severnbanks, your child will bring home both a reading scheme book and a reading-for-pleasure book. Scheme books help build key reading skills, while reading-for-pleasure books help develop a lifelong love of reading.

Reading suggestions and reviews  The Reading Jacksaw -A website dedicated to feeding hungry readers and creating an appetite for reading through a range of book lists, library and classroom resources, recommendations and reviews. 

Read like an author - If you like.... Try ....

Well-known authors provide suggestions as to what to read if you liked their work (see below).

Top tips to encourage reading at home   By Tara Parker, Senior Early Years Programme Manager at the National Literacy Trust

Our top Tips... 

1. MODEL. MODEL. MODEL.
2. Provide a distraction-free reading space – make it inviting and quality time with your child. When is your child most likely to engage?
3. Set challenges – Can they read so much in a certain time? Can you share the book and compete to do the best voice for a certain character? Can you tally who makes the least mistakes in reading?
4. Allow children to read around the text to develop meaning from what else is written down.
5. Use word wheels to develop a deeper meaning of newly acquired language.
6. Once you have read a chapter/book storyboard, help children summarise what they have read and take away the main points.
7. Give them 3 events from the text and ask them to order them.
8. Make it fun – if they didn’t like the story, can they rewrite the ending?