Supporting Your Child’s Journey to Independent Reading

Transitioning from being read to, to reading independently, requires thoughtful guidance. The way this transition is handled can determine whether your child develops a love for reading or begins to see it as a chore.

As parents, we often wonder how best to support our children’s reading journey, especially as they are learning to read in school. So, what can we do to help them at home?

We spoke with Ria, who holds a Master's in Education and is the chief curator at Kutubooku, to get her top tips for fostering a positive reading experience.

1. Avoid making reading a prize or a punishment: Instead, treat it as a shared, enjoyable activity. For example, say, "Hey, let’s read together! It’s a beautiful day, let’s grab a blanket and read under a tree." Bring along snacks and take some time to read a few chapters together. Adding a related activity at the end, like discussing the story or doing a craft, can help create a positive association with reading. Kutubooku’s Reading Guides, available with each book, offer great suggestions for fun activities.

   
   

2. Match books to your child’s reading level: Sometimes children are given books that are too difficult, like a 4th grader trying to read something suited for a 6th grader. For reading to be enjoyable, books should match their interest and age level. This ensures they can fully understand and engage with the material.

   
   

3. Allow for a gradual transition: Even when your child can read independently, continue reading with them. Slowly ease into independent reading at a pace that feels comfortable for your child. Every child progresses differently, so observe and adjust accordingly.

   
   

If your child is genuinely interested in the topic—whether it's dinosaurs, sports, or anything else—they’ll be more eager to learn and read everything they can about it. Their interest is key to building a lasting love for reading.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

1. What can I do to make my kid move off stories and start reading on own?

The trick is to spread reading out as an experience, not an exercise. Begin by reading to your child and later on transfer the responsibility to your child. Make it exciting make it a fun activity reading under a tree, carrying of snacks and after reading, add interesting follow ups such as crafts and discussions that will enforce the dedication to reading in a positive manner.

2. What happens when the books at home provided by my child in school are too difficult?

Books that are not of the reading level of kids frustrate them. Select books, which are appropriate in their age and interest to gain confidence and understanding. Using Kutubooku to learn more about curated selections, and Reading Guides will allow you to find the one that will perfectly suit your child stage.

3. Can I continue reading to my child even when he or she can read?

Yes! The read aloud activities build a vocabulary, understanding and empathy. Although once children begin reading independently, it is not a significant drawback to keep reading together as it helps develop a passion of stories and builds better relationship between the parent and the child.

4. Is reading an opportunity to be punished or used as an incentive?

Do not use it as a reading. Rather present it as a natural, pleasurable and daily life factor. As an example, ask your child to read along with you at relaxed time you spend together, such as after the meal or on a weekend picnic. They are more apt to like independent reading on positive associations.

5. In what can I persuade my child to read more in the Indian multilingual setting?

You can celebrate your kid via any language English, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, etc. Select books like story books or picture books related to their interests (such as cricket, mythology etc.). Local languages books or bilingual editions will also increase understanding and familiarity with reading so that they can learn to read without feeling the pressure.