READIng aT hoMe
The Importance of Reading at Home
For Parents of SEND Learners
Reading at home is a simple but powerful way to support children with SEND. It helps them develop communication, understanding, and a love of learning in a safe and familiar environment.
1. Helps Communication and Understanding
Reading together helps children:
Learn new words, sounds, and ideas
Improve listening and attention
Understand routines and story patterns
Even short, repeated sessions make a big difference.
3. Encourages Enjoyment and Connection
Reading together creates calm, shared moments and helps parents:
Spend quality time with their child
Understand their interests and strengths
Build trust and positive feelings about learning
2. Supports Learning and Confidence
Reading reinforces school learning and helps children:
Recognise pictures, objects, or symbols
Build focus and memory
Feel proud of small achievements
Children do not need to sit still—they can move, explore, or wiggle while listening.
Tips for Reading at Home
Keep sessions relaxed and pressure-free
Follow your child’s interests
Repeat favourite stories often
Talk about pictures, objects, or ideas
Praise any form of engagement
Allow movement and exploration
Oxford Owl
Check out Oxford Owl's brilliant ebooks by clicking Oxford Owl for Schools. Choose ‘students:
Username: westsilc
Password: reading
For an individual log in for specific texts or activities please contact your child’s class teacher.
Storyline Online
Listen to various celebrities reading stories .
Share A Story Corner - World Book Day
Online stories to share at home, even if it’s not World Book Day.
Oxford Owl Free eBook Library
Practice reading with phonics eBooks
CBeebies Bedtime Stories
Join a host of different celebrities for a different story read each night just before bedtime.
Starfall Education
A range of poetry and stories.
LearnEnglish Kids
Great stories you can read and listen to.
BookTrust
Stories for kids online and fun games to play.
Storynory
A range of fairytales, myths and legends, poems and class stories.
DoozyMoo
Cute children’s picture books with activities (free online).