Parents can play an important role in creating a home environment where reading and vocabulary development feel natural rather than like extra homework. A consistent routine can make it easier for children to spend time with books, articles and other age-appropriate reading materials.

Start by making reading part of the daily routine. The activity could involve a novel, school text, magazine, information book or another suitable resource. When children meet an unfamiliar word, encourage them to think about its meaning from the sentence before immediately looking it up.

Talking about what a child has read can also strengthen vocabulary. Parents might ask, “What does that word mean here?” or “Can you think of another word that means something similar?” These questions encourage children to explain language rather than simply memorise definitions.

It can also help to model curiosity about words. Parents can discuss interesting terms they encounter in their own reading and show how context, word parts or a dictionary can help clarify meaning.

The most useful routine will depend on the child's age, interests and school needs. The aim is to make regular reading and word exploration achievable and enjoyable.

Small, consistent habits can give children more opportunities to encounter, understand and use new vocabulary.