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Support Reading at Home
Reading together at home, whether through books, stories, or everyday texts, plays a vital role in building a child’s vocabulary, imagination, and understanding of the world.
At Nexus, we’re committed to working with you to strengthen the reading skills your child is developing in school. Together, we can give our young people the best possible foundation to become confident, successful readers.
1. Reading is everywhere!
Don’t worry too much about what or how your child reads each day. Books are wonderful, but so are leaflets, comics, recipes, or instructions on a webpage. Even following a recipe to bake cupcakes is valuable reading practice. Keep an eye out for reading opportunities wherever you go!
2. Make it interactive.
Reading together is about reading with, not just reading to. Ask open-ended “Wh” questions — Who? What? When? Where? Why? — to spark curiosity and discussion. For example: “What do you think Harry is feeling?” These conversations help deepen understanding and engagement.
3. Build reading into your daily routine.
Find a regular time each day to share stories so your child knows it’s part of their routine — perhaps before bedtime or after dinner. Consistency helps make reading an enjoyable habit.
4. Follow their interests.
While your child will bring home books linked to their reading phase or book band, it’s equally important to let them explore books they choose themselves. Our library offers a range of options so pupils can select something that excites them — keeping motivation and enjoyment high.
5. Use technology wisely.
Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that, when used with adult guidance, technology can be a great tool for developing reading skills. Try listening to audiobooks or watching story readings online — YouTube has excellent adaptations. At Nexus, we’re also building a bank of stories read and signed by our staff to support all learners.
We’ve created Home Reading Packs to help make reading at home simple and rewarding. Each pack includes:
- An overview of reading at home
- Question prompts to support discussion
- A book (or books) of your child’s choice
- A reading bookmark to record progress
When your child’s bookmark is full, they’ll earn a raffle ticket for a chance to win a prize from our reading reward vending machine at the end of term!
Online Platforms
We use Reading Eggs and Lexia in school for some of our pupils to reinforce their reading skills. Your child’s class teacher will be able to provide you with login details.
Need Support?
If you have any questions or would like additional guidance on reading at home, please contact your child’s Class Teacher — we’re always here to help.
Ellis Coles
Graduated in 2025
I go to the oaks college and really am enjoying. I am in a class with a couple of old friends from nexus.
Rose Aspinall
Graduated July 2025
I am at The Oaks working towards my functional Maths and English and also doing lots of work experience.