Parenting Perspective 

Build Courage with Gentle Practice 

Reading aloud can feel daunting for some children, especially if they worry about mispronouncing words or being corrected too often. To help build their courage, start with short, familiar books they enjoy. Choose stories with simple sentences and repetition so they can feel a sense of success quickly. 

Sit close and read together, taking turns with a page or even just a line. Keep your tone warm and praise their effort, not just their accuracy. If they stumble on a word, let them try again gently without any pressure. You can use role-play by letting your child read aloud to a favourite toy or a younger sibling, which can feel less intimidating than reading to an adult. 

Be mindful not to turn reading into a performance or a test. Make it part of a daily routine; bedtime is a beautiful moment for calm, shared reading. The more your child sees you enjoy reading with them, the more they will connect it with safety and trust, which will naturally grow their willingness to read out loud. 

Spiritual Insight 

A Blessed Act 

In Islam, reading and reciting have always held a place of honour. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Alaq (96), Verse 1: 

‘Read in the name of your Sustainer, Who has created you.’ 

This first revelation highlights that reading, whether silently or aloud, is a blessed act that connects us to knowledge and to our Creator. Encouraging your child to read with courage reflects this sacred tradition. 

Passing on Knowledge 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5027, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’ 

This Hadith Shareef reminds us that every step towards reading, especially aloud, is part of passing on knowledge. When your child reads aloud, they are practising how to express themselves clearly and share what they know with others. Remind them that mistakes are part of learning and that Allah Almighty loves sincere effort. Make Dua for ease and clarity in their tongue. Sit beside them with patience and warmth, turning your reading time into a moment of closeness and faith.