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Parents and families

Our parent-facing site Words for Life provides tips, fun activities and guidance to help parents support their children’s literacy development.
RS3765_201 First Words Together Summer Party - Lakeside Centre

Reading for pleasure as a family

Explore ways you and your child can grow a love of reading at home.

Discover tips on the benefits of reading as a family.
Their story starts with you Early Words Matter

Baby to 3

Take a look at our tips and activities to guide you through your baby's early years of life.

0-6 months

6-12 month

1-2 years

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Age 3 to 5

Support your child's development as they grow with our guidance, recommended reads and videos.

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Age 5 to 8

Learn how to support your child's reading, writing and communication skills as they start school.

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Age 9 to 12

Our tips, milestones and fun activities can help you to develop your older child's literacy skills from home.

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Early Words Matter: Their story starts with you

Discover simple, everyday things you can do to build your child's communication skills from the very start.

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Themed activities

Tap into your child's interests with book lists, top tips and fun literacy activities, all themed around different topics.

  • Use the change in season to boost your child's literacy with wintery books, activities and recipes.
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  • Comic books can help to interest children who aren’t enthusiastic readers.
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  • Non-fiction can be a brilliant way to engage your child in reading for enjoyment.
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