“Learning to read isn’t a magic trick — there are clear steps in the process, and each one matters.”
Jeremy Cook
In this episode, Mal Galer is joined by Jeremy Cook (Director of Learning and Teaching, Junior School) and Carla Stanley (Director of Pastoral Care, Early Years, Emmanuel College) to explore how children learn to read — and how parents can support that journey from the very beginning.
Drawing on both research and classroom experience, Jeremy and Carla unpack the foundational skills that underpin early literacy, including phonemic awareness, phonics and comprehension. They explain why learning to read is not a “magic moment,” but a structured process built on clear, explicit teaching and consistent practice.
The conversation highlights the growing focus on the science of reading, and why understanding the relationship between letters and sounds is a critical first step in helping children decode words and build confidence. At the same time, they emphasise the importance of fostering a genuine love of reading — creating positive, engaging experiences with books both at school and at home.
Together, they share practical, accessible strategies for families — from building a literacy-rich home environment and modelling reading behaviours, to using simple games and everyday interactions to reinforce learning. They also address common challenges, including limited exposure to books and the belief that reading is “too hard,” and offer reassurance that with the right support, every child can develop as a reader.
This is an insightful and highly practical conversation designed to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to support their child’s reading journey — building not only strong literacy skills, but a lifelong love of learning.
