English / Literacy Skills
How to support your child’s literacy and English skills
There are a number of things that you can do to help support your child’s literacy:
Support your child’s reading
At 11 to 14 years of age your child may be too old for bedtime stories, but you can still help shape their reading habits. You can develop your child’s interest by:
- encouraging them to read magazines, comics and newspapers as well as books
- buying books for presents – those that tie in to a favourite television show, pop band or computer game are often a hit
- reading together – try picking reading material on subjects you both enjoy like a sports team, music group or holiday destination
- reading the books or plays your child is studying in school and discussing what you’ve read with them
- if you haven’t done so already, join the local lending library together
Support your child’s writing
- encourage your child to proof read work and self-correct
- encourage your child to use a dictionary and thesaurus to improve their written vocabulary
- encourage your child to keep in touch via email with friends they met on holiday
General support from the web
The following websites also give advice and include activities that will help your child to improve their literacy and English skills
HW advice
Grammar
BBC Educational Websites
- BBC Bitesize – Grammar Games for Key Stage 3
- BBC Bitesize – Reading for Key Stage 3
- BBC Bitesize – Writing for Key Stage 3
- BBC Bitesize – Speaking and Listening for Key Stage 3
The National Literacy Trust also has some great suggestions for parents and carers to try …and of course you are always welcome to discuss any concerns with us!
