A Different Pace
Reading confidence often develops most naturally when children are relaxed and enjoying themselves, which is one reason I believe the summer holidays provide such a valuable opportunity.
With the summer holidays finally here, many children will be looking forward to a well-earned break. After months of school, homework and busy schedules, it is important that children have time to relax, recharge and simply enjoy being children.
However, the slower pace of summer also presents a wonderful opportunity. Without the pressures of the school day, children often have more time to discover something that can benefit them long after the holidays are over: a love of reading.
Reading Beyond School
One of the biggest misconceptions about reading is that it must involve lengthy novels or feel like another piece of homework. In reality, reading comes in many forms.
For some children, it might be a favourite series of books. Others may prefer magazines, comics, sports articles or books about animals, history or science. The key is not necessarily what they read, but that they read regularly.
When children enjoy what they are reading, they naturally encounter new vocabulary, strengthen their comprehension skills and develop a greater understanding of how language works. More importantly, they begin to see themselves as readers.
Why Reading Matters
As a tutor, I see firsthand the difference strong reading habits can make. Children who read regularly often find it easier to tackle comprehension tasks, explain their thinking and approach unfamiliar vocabulary with confidence.
This becomes increasingly important as children move through primary school. Whether preparing for the SEAG Transfer Test or simply progressing through the curriculum, reading remains one of the most valuable skills a child can develop.
I often tell parents that there is no shortcut to improving comprehension. Like most skills, it develops gradually through exposure to language and regular practice.
Making Reading Part of the Routine
Building reading habits does not require complicated timetables or hours of work each day. Consistency matters far more than quantity.
Ten or twenty minutes most days can make a significant difference over time. Reading before bed, visiting the library or setting aside a quiet time during the day can all help establish a routine that feels natural rather than forced.
Importantly, children should not feel that every book has to be educational or challenging. Enjoyment matters. A child who eagerly picks up a comic or football magazine is still developing valuable reading skills.
Summer can also be a wonderful time for children to see adults reading. Children often copy what they see, and something as simple as a parent picking up a book, newspaper, or magazine can help create a culture where reading is viewed as a normal and enjoyable part of everyday life. Sometimes, simply seeing adults read can have a huge influence on children.
Talking About Books
Reading together also creates opportunities for conversation. Asking simple questions about characters, events or opinions encourages children to think more deeply about what they have read.
These discussions do not need to feel like a test. Sometimes the most valuable conversations happen naturally. Asking, “What was your favourite part?” or “Why do you think that happened?” can help children develop confidence in expressing their ideas.
In my own classes, we spend a great deal of time developing comprehension skills through the VIPERS framework, focusing on vocabulary, inference, prediction, explanation, retrieval and sequencing. Strong reading habits provide the foundation upon which these skills are built.
Building Reading Confidence Through Enjoyment
One question I am frequently asked by parents is, “What should my child be reading?”
My answer is usually quite simple: whatever they enjoy.
Children are far more likely to develop strong reading habits when they genuinely look forward to picking up a book. For some, that might be a mystery series or adventure story. Others may prefer books about football, animals, science or history. Graphic novels, magazines and comics can all play a valuable role in developing reading confidence.
It is also important not to become too concerned if a book seems easy. Confidence is built when children experience success. A child who enjoys reading and reads regularly will naturally begin to tackle more challenging texts over time.
Libraries can be a wonderful resource during the summer holidays. They allow children to explore different genres without the pressure of committing to a particular book. A visit to the library can also become a special part of the weekly routine and encourage children to take ownership of their reading choices.
Above all, reading should remain enjoyable. Not every book needs to be educational, and not every conversation about a book needs to resemble a comprehension exercise. Children who associate reading with enjoyment are far more likely to continue reading as they grow older.
Reading Confidence and School Success
Strong reading confidence supports children in almost every subject. Whether solving maths word problems, understanding instructions in science or analysing a text in English, reading plays a vital role throughout the curriculum.
As children move into the later years of primary school, the ability to understand vocabulary, explain ideas and make inferences becomes increasingly important. These skills are developed gradually through regular reading and meaningful conversations about books.
While there is no single secret to academic success, developing reading confidence is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. The books they enjoy today may soon be forgotten, but the habits they develop can benefit them for years to come.
A Summer Investment
Summer does not need to become an extension of school. Children deserve time to play, spend time with family and enjoy a break from routine.
Yet a small amount of regular reading can have a lasting impact. By September, children who have continued reading over the holidays often return feeling more confident and ready for the challenges ahead.
The books children enjoy this summer may soon be forgotten, but the habits they develop and the confidence they gain can benefit them for many years to come.
Unlock Your Child’s Potential with Education Support Hub
Since 2019, Education Support Hub has supported children across Northern Ireland in developing confidence and skills in English, maths, phonics and SEAG Transfer Test preparation. I work with pupils from Primary 3 to Year 10 through small-group online lessons, carefully matched by ability and learning targets. This approach creates a focused yet supportive environment where children feel comfortable asking questions and learning from one another.
Parents often tell me they value the calm, structured approach and the emphasis on understanding rather than rushing content. My aim is always to help children feel capable and confident in their learning, not just for tests, but for school and beyond.
If you would like to arrange a no-obligation chat or assessment to discuss your child’s needs, please get in touch using the details below.
Daniel Guiney
Founder, Education Support Hub
📞 07513 286626
📧 daniel@educationsupporthub.co.uk
🌐 www.educationsupporthub.co.uk