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Support for Parents/Carers and Pupils in English

Newton Bluecoat C of E Primary School

 

How Parents/Carers Can Help with English at Home

Supporting your child with English at home makes a huge difference to their confidence and progress. You don’t need to be a teacher – small, regular activities really help.

📚 Reading at Home (The Most Important Thing)

Reading little and often is the best way to support your child.

What we recommend:

  • Read with your child at least 3–5 times a week
  • Even 10 minutes makes a difference
  • Talk about the book as well as reading the words

You can help by:

  • Letting your child read aloud to you
  • Reading to your child (even when they can read themselves)
  • Asking simple questions:
    • What do you think will happen next?
    • Who is your favourite character and why?
    • How do you think the character feels?

Top tip: Praise effort, not just accuracy. Confidence matters.

🔤 Phonics & Early Reading (EYFS & KS1)

If your child is learning phonics, it’s important to say sounds correctly.

How to help:

  • Say the sound, not the letter name
    • e.g. “sss” not “ess”
  • Encourage your child to blend sounds to read words
  • Keep sessions short and positive

If you’re unsure about pronunciation, please speak to your child’s teacher.

✍️ Writing at Home

Writing doesn’t have to mean worksheets.

Great ways to practise writing:

  • Writing shopping lists
  • Cards, letters or emails
  • Keeping a simple diary
  • Writing stories or captions for pictures

When helping with writing:

  • Encourage your child to have a go on their own
  • Don’t worry about correcting every mistake
  • Praise good ideas, effort and creativity

🔠 Spelling, Grammar & Vocabulary

Spelling develops over time and mistakes are part of learning.

You can help by:

  • Practising spellings little and often
  • Spotting spelling patterns together
  • Talking about the meaning of new words
  • Playing word games (Scrabble, Boggle, word searches)

🌍 Talking Builds English Skills

Talking helps children become better readers and writers.

Try to:

  • Talk about your day together
  • Ask open questions
  • Encourage your child to explain their ideas
  • Share stories, jokes and conversations

🤝 If Your Child Is Finding English Difficult

This is very common – support is available.

What to do:

  • Talk to your child’s class teacher first
  • Share any worries early
  • Work together with us to support your child

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