How can high-quality teaching improve children's reading skills in early years settings?

High-quality teaching significantly enhances children's reading skills by incorporating discussions about stories after reading. Engaging children in conversations about the text encourages critical thinking and comprehension, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. This interaction helps reinforce vocabulary, improves listening skills, and deepens understanding of narrative structures and themes.

Moreover, discussing stories fosters a love for reading by making the experience more interactive and enjoyable. Children who articulate their opinions and ask questions during these discussions are more likely to develop a richer understanding of the material, leading to improved reading skills over time. This approach creates an environment where literacy becomes a shared experience, promoting collaborative learning and encouraging future reading endeavors.

In contrast, relying solely on textbooks, focusing exclusively on phonics, or limiting reading materials can restrict children's exposure to diverse genres and formats, stifling their creativity and motivation to read. Therefore, engaging in discussions about stories is a key component of high-quality teaching that effectively supports reading skill development in early years settings.