75. Inside Literacy: How Children Really Learn to Love Reading

Reading is one of the most important foundations of a child's learning, but how do we help children move beyond simply being able to read and develop a genuine love for books? 

In this episode of the Parent Teacher Project, we speak with Joshua Woolnough, primary teacher, mentor and literacy coach at Redfield College, about the role literacy plays in a child's development and the simple ways families can nurture a culture of reading at home. The conversation also looks at the challenge of screens and distraction, the value of shared reading experiences within families, and how stories can help children—and adults—develop empathy, imagination and a deeper understanding of the world around them. 

Discussion Points: 

• How to nurture a genuine love of reading at home and create an environment where books are part of everyday family life. 

• Giving children some freedom to choose what they read, while gently encouraging them to explore books that challenge and expand their interests. 

• Making reading a shared experience through conversations, reading aloud and simply spending time together with books. 

• Building healthy reading habits and finding balance with screens and devices. 

• Helping children navigate the growing world of books and online recommendations, while creating space for open conversations. 

• Book recommendations for children, teenagers and parents, including classics, modern fiction and stories that can support imagination, empathy and personal growth. 

References mentioned in the episode:

Books 

For younger readers:

• Redwall Series — Brian Jacques

• The Chronicles of Narnia — C.S. Lewis

• The Hobbit — J.R.R. Tolkien

• Charlotte's Web — E.B. White

• Bridge to Terabithia — Katherine Paterson

• I Am David — Anne Holm

• The Wind in the Willows — Kenneth Grahame

• Grimm's Fairy Tales — Brothers Grimm

• Fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen

• Dog Man — Dav Pilkey

• Airborn series — Kenneth Oppel

• Artemis Fowl series — Eoin Colfer

• Eragon — Christopher Paolini

• Alex Rider series — Anthony Horowitz

• Ranger's Apprentice — John Flanagan

For older readers and adults