The Benefits of Reading (Part Two)

Posted: 5th May 2016

From the Counsellor’s Chair

Mrs Good, our School Counsellor, here contributes the second in her articles on the benefits of reading:

‘In my previous article I explored the benefits of reading to children.  But what if encouraging your child to read is a challenge?  After a day of lessons that includes reading, some children may show resistance or a reluctance to read at home.  Here are some tips that may help.

Let your child choose a book of their liking.  Plan a trip to a book shop or library, search websites that sell books, and let your child choose books that appeal to them.  It could be about a hobby, a topic of interest, fiction, nonfiction.  A book that stimulates the imagination, maintains interest or fulfils an ambition has immense benefits. A child choosing a book is declaring their independence as a reader and commitment to a new journey.

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Keep reading material readily accessible around the home.  Books, journals, magazines, newspapers, comics all count. Read to your child.  Establish a routine for reading.  Reading can fit into almost any part of your daily routine.  Make it an enjoyable event, your child may like to dress up as one of the characters.

Demonstrate to your child that you enjoy reading; be a reading model.  Children mimic parent behaviour and if they see you doing something you are keen on they are likely to follow. Read aloud together. Take it in turns.

Talk about what you are reading.  Ask open ended questions to encourage discussion.  It helps your child make connections, increase their comprehension skills and improve memory.  If your child gets fidgety, read with expression or take a break.

Embrace reading as a year round pursuit both in and out of the classroom.  The more a child reads around a subject the better their understanding and appreciation of it.

Happy reading.’

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Categories: Junior Nursery Prep Whole School
Strengthening Our Community: The Return of Boys to our Preps and Pre-Preps

We are excited to share that, from September 2026, boys will begin moving up from our Nursery into Reception, marking the gradual reintroduction of boys into our Prep and Pre-Prep School.

This step reflects growing interest from families who value our strong holistic ethos and unique grounds and setting and would like their sons and daughters to share their educational journey together.

At St Augustine’s, our strong sense of community, academic excellence, and deep care for each individual child remain at the heart of everything we do. This is a natural evolution of our school rather than a change to who we are, building on our strengths and allowing us to offer the same joyful, inspiring education to even more children.

Interested in learning more about our school?
Join us for one of our upcoming Open Days! You can book your visit via the Admissions section of our website.

  • Prep & Pre-Preps Open Day – School in Action (Nursery to Year 6)
    Tuesday, 23rd September
    10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

  • Senior School Open Day (Year 7 and above)
    Saturday, 20th September
    10:00 AM – 12:00 PM