Engaging Families in Their Child’s Literacy Journey

Strategies for meaningful family involvement

Family engagement has a powerful impact on a child’s success in reading. Research consistently shows that when families play an active role in supporting literacy, pupils are more likely to develop strong reading skills, positive attitudes towards books and long-term academic achievement.

Yet for many schools, the challenge lies in moving beyond occasional events or newsletters to create sustained, meaningful involvement. So, how can schools work effectively with parents and carers to strengthen children’s literacy?

1. Make Reading Visible at Home

Encourage families to establish regular reading routines. This could be:

• A shared bedtime story, regardless of the child’s age.

• Setting aside a “reading slot” where everyone in the household picks up a book or magazine.

• Using everyday texts (recipes, shopping lists, instructions) to show that reading is part of daily life.

Providing parents with simple, practical tips helps them see that literacy doesn’t have to mean formal lessons — it can be woven into ordinary routines.

2. Provide Clear Guidance, Not Just Reminders

Rather than simply telling parents to “read with your child,” show them how. Workshops, short videos or handouts can demonstrate:

• How to ask open questions while reading (e.g., “Why do you think the character did that?”).

• Ways to encourage decoding, fluency and comprehension.

• How to respond positively when a child struggles, keeping the focus on enjoyment and persistence.

When parents understand the strategies teachers use in class, they feel more confident supporting them at home.

3. Celebrate All Forms of Reading

Not every child will gravitate towards novels. Help parents recognise that comics, audiobooks, magazines and graphic novels all contribute to literacy development. By broadening the definition of “reading material,” families can tap into children’s genuine interests.

4. Create Opportunities for Family Involvement in School

Bring families into the school’s reading culture through:

• Family reading mornings — invite parents to join pupils in class reading sessions.

• Book swaps or lending libraries — encourage families to share and recycle books.

• Reading assemblies or author visits where parents are welcome.

• Parent-pupil challenges (e.g., a family reading log or “Read Around the World” challenge).

The more parents see reading valued and celebrated in school, the more likely they are to reinforce it at home.

5. Communicate Regularly and Positively

Newsletters, school websites or social media can showcase recommended reads, share literacy tips, and celebrate pupils’ reading successes. Keep the tone encouraging and inclusive — not all families find reading easy so avoid language that feels judgmental.

Positive communication builds trust and ensures parents feel like partners in the process, not outsiders.

Final Thoughts

Engaging parents in literacy is about partnership, not pressure. By equipping families with practical tools, celebrating all forms of reading and welcoming them into the life of the school, we can create a powerful home-school connection.

At Empowerment Consultancy, we support school leaders and teachers in developing effective strategies to strengthen literacy outcomes, including engaging families as active partners in the journey. Together, we can ensure every child not only learns to read but learns to love reading.