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2. Reading and Learning at Home

Helping children discover the joy of reading and learning

Children learn in many different ways, and some of the most valuable learning happens through everyday experiences at home.

Reading together, playing games, cooking, talking, exploring and sharing experiences all help children develop knowledge, confidence and important life skills.

At Walsall Virtual School, we are passionate about ensuring that children have access to books and opportunities that encourage a lifelong love of reading.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Our Imagination Library provides free books for eligible children from birth until their fifth birthday.

Children receive a book through the post each month, helping families develop positive reading routines from an early age.

Reading together can support language development, attachment, communication and a child's sense of security.

Book in a Bag

Our Book in a Bag programme supports children from the age of five by providing books and activities to encourage reading at home.

It helps children explore new stories, develop reading confidence and enjoy books with the important adults in their lives.

Yours to Keep Library

Our Yours to Keep Library gives eligible children and young people the opportunity to choose up to three books each month to keep forever.

With fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, picture books and a growing collection of titles, children can explore their interests and build their own personal libraries.

Explore the Yours to Keep Library

Helping Your Child With Reading

You do not need to be a teacher to help your child enjoy reading.

Try these simple ideas:

  • Read together regularly, even for a few minutes.

  • Let your child choose books that interest them.

  • Talk about pictures, characters and stories.

  • Read signs, recipes, instructions and everyday information.

  • Visit your local library.

  • Celebrate effort rather than correcting every mistake.

For older children, reading may include comics, graphic novels, magazines, sports articles or information about their interests.

The most important thing is to make reading enjoyable rather than turning it into a battle.

Helping With Homework and Learning

Establish a calm routine, offer encouragement and break tasks into manageable steps.

If your child finds homework distressing or consistently struggles with the work, speak with their teacher. Homework should support learning, not create unnecessary anxiety.

We encourage carers to maintain high aspirations while recognising each child's individual starting point and needs.