Reading together is probably one of my favourite things to do with my kids. Not only is it simple and requires no planning other than finding a good book, but there really is so much richness and connection to be found in it - even if it's just for a few minutes a day.
It naturally builds literacy skills, but also encourages empathy, sparks imagination and allows you to explore new perspectives together. Reading together is also a really lovely way to slow down in the day, especially with a book that requires careful reading.
There's zero pressure and zero perfection here, just a chance to discover the magic of shared stories. Start with just ten minutes and see where it takes you. Even the most school-averse pupil in my class was hooked when we were reading a story together that drew us all in.
Making it Work For You
So how do you make reading together a regular thing that everyone enjoys? Here are some ideas to make it work:
📚Choose intentionally. I usually choose the book for our family reading time - often classics or stories with rich language and deeper themes (and something that feels good to read aloud, David Walliams-style high energy is not easy on the voice!) My kids have plenty of opportunities to choose books they love, this is just a special time for us to explore something a little different together.
(If you choose classics, I'd recommend trying the original version - within reason - and taking it slowly. Sometimes a short extract from a really great classic is better than a children's version which can lose the richness of the original language).
📚Make it regular. Having a regular time when you read together can bring a bit of calm to the day and make it more likely to happen, but be flexible – it's ok if it fits in where it can. There's no pressure but I find 4 or 5 times a week keeps up the momentum of the story. It can also work well out and about, like on a train journey or outdoor adventure.
📚Embrace the fidgets. My kids do all sorts while I'm reading - build Lego, snuggle up, play with a ball, move their bodies. If it's not a distraction, it's not a problem - movement really helps some kids to listen. They're always incredibly still, though, the moment it gets particularly gripping!
📚 Slow right down. Especially with complex books, read slowly and pause if more explanation is needed. It helps to keep everyone engaged and avoids losing track of what's happening. I find it's also good to mix slower, heavier books with simpler, lighter ones from time to time - or even have a couple on the go at once and swap them around depending on the mood.
📚 Don't force it. If they aren’t enjoying a book – or family reading time - it's fine to stop. There are so many wonderful stories out there, there's no point reading something everyone's finding pretty dull (even if it's a book you love!). It's ok to start small with this too, maybe alongside snacks, and build it into something more regular over time.
📚 Your voice is perfect. No pressure for accents and performances unless you enjoy them! Read comfortably, at your own pace. Quiet and slow can bring a sense of calm so if you're a slow reader, it doesn't matter.
📚 Tie it to the seasons and their interests. I've found that matching stories to different topics, seasons, life events or developmental phases - like adventure stories for 9 year olds or identity and belonging for teens - helps connect the stories to their own experiences.
More Than Just a Story
The best part about reading together isn't just what you're reading, but everything that happens while you're reading. It's the little chats, the connections you make, and those moments of just enjoying something together. That's the part I love the most.