Helping a child read at home — even if you never got the chance to study

Many parents worry that they cannot help with schoolwork because they did not get to study themselves. But the most important things a child needs to become a reader are things every family can give: time, conversation, attention and encouragement.

Talk, a lot

Children who hear many words become better readers. Talk about what you are cooking, what you see in the market, how the crops are growing. Ask questions that need more than a yes or no: "What happened at school today? Why do you think that happened?"

Tell stories in your own language

The stories you grew up with — from grandparents, festivals, songs — build the same skills as books: following a sequence, imagining, predicting what comes next. Tell them in Hindi, Bhojpuri or whichever language is spoken at home. Reading skills carry across languages.

Let the child read to you

You do not need to read well yourself to be a wonderful audience. Ask your child to read their schoolbook aloud and to explain what it means. Praise the effort, not just the result. If they are stuck on a word, let them try first.

Fifteen minutes, every day

A short, regular habit works better than a long session once a week. Choose a time that fits your day — after the evening meal, perhaps — and keep it calm and pleasant, not a test.

Use what is around you

Signs, calendars, packets, newspapers and wedding cards are all reading material. Play simple games: find a word that starts with "क", count the letters in a name, read the bus number together.

Look out for difficulties

If a child struggles a lot more than classmates, squints at the page, or becomes very anxious about reading, talk to the teacher. Sometimes the cause is something simple, like needing glasses.

Ask for help

Teachers, older siblings, neighbours and community volunteers can all help. Asking is a sign of care, not weakness. When the foundation's learning programmes begin, we will share details here.