Starting school: a critical moment to support reading enjoyment
Find out about why starting school is a critical moment in children’s reading journeys, and how to support reading enjoyment at this stage in our evidence-informed guide which draws on insights from BookTrust’s National Family Survey and wider research.
Download the guide
Download the guide
In our guide, you will find:
- Why starting school is a critical moment
- The latest research findings on reading enjoyment at ages 4 to 5
- What is happening at this stage and how this shapes children’s and families’ experiences
- How parents and carers are open to support, which is an important equaliser
- Practical ideas and resources for teachers and early years professionals to help support children’s reading enjoyment as they start school and beyond
To cite this guide: BookTrust (2026) Starting school: a critical moment to support reading enjoyment. Leeds: BookTrust
What does the research tell us?
This research, which draws on BookTrust’s National Family Survey data and wider research, highlights that while children’s reading enjoyment remains high in the early years, it shows a noticeable drop between ages 4 and 5.
Our research suggests it’s not simply about children losing interest in books. A number of changes happen at this time.
What changes around school entry?
Changing reading practices: from playful sharing to more structured, skill-focused reading
Different kinds of reading at home: balancing school books, child choice, shared stories and read-alouds
Pressure on family routines: more tiredness, less flexible time and more competing demands
Support is an important equaliser: parents and carers have different starting points and are open to guidance
How can we nurture reading enjoyment as children start school and beyond?
Support plays a crucial role at this moment, but it needs to reach all families and meet them where they are. We share practical ideas for teachers and early years professionals to support children’s reading across early years settings, school and the home learning environment. This includes ideas for:
Embedding reading and sharing stories within the school preparation journey
Supporting parents and carers at a moment of openness and uncertainty
Keeping the balance between reading for enjoyment alongside learning to read
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Join BookTrust and expert speakers Tom Percival and Matthew Courtney to discover our latest research and hear practical tips for sustaining a reading habit as children join primary school.
More resources
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Resources to help teachers support children who are starting primary school in Reception, through reading and sharing stories.
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On this page, you will find information on how sharing books and stories can help to prepare your child for starting school, plus top tips and book recommendations.
Book recommendations
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Suggested reading for Reception: Autumn term
The first term of Reception is a key period as children begin their educational journeys, and books play a vital role.
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Books to read aloud to ages 4 and 5
A selection of some of our favourite books to read with children aged 4 to 5. We’ve included a mix of catchy rhymes, loveable characters, awesome illustrations, and a massive dollop of silly humour!
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Starting school: books to read with a new class
Starting school is a big step. This booklist is designed to support teachers in helping children begin Reception with confidence and enthusiasm. It features a carefully chosen mix of stories that explore emotions like worry and excitement, joyful read-alouds that build connection, well-loved classics, and interactive books that encourage movement and joining in.
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Books to promote speech and language development
Introducing children to language in a fun way
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Non-fiction and fact books that children aged 4–8 will love
Getting children to love reading isn’t necessarily about fiction and fairy tales. There are loads of brilliant non-fiction books that can teach your child about the world, as well as being entertaining, funny and gorgeous to look at. Sometimes non-fiction is also a fantastic way to tempt a reluctant reader into sitting down with a book. Here are just a few of our favourites to get your family ready and excited to read.
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Great Books Guide 2025–26: for 4 to 5‑year-olds
Here’s a round-up of new children’s books from the last year, which we think any child aged 4 to 5 will love
Discover our programmes
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Join hundreds of schools and local authorities using Letterbox Club to bring the magic of reading and numeracy to pupil premium and vulnerable learners age 3–13
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A book subscription service for ages 2–4 that embeds sharing stories at home to strengthen bonding and attachment for foster, kinship and adoptive families.