How to Support Developing Readers at Home
Every child’s reading journey is unique. Some kids pick up reading with ease, while others need a little more time and support. If your child is struggling with reading, you’re not alone—many parents find themselves wondering how to help. Small, consistent efforts at home can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and reading skills.
As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand how the right strategies, patience, and encouragement can turn reading struggles into reading successes. Let’s explore a few simple ways you can support your child’s reading journey at home.
Make Reading a Daily Habit
Reading should be enjoyable, not stressful. Make it a natural part of your daily routine. Choose a time that works best: before bed, after school, or even during breakfast. Let your child choose the book! Even if they pick the same one over and over, familiar stories help build fluency and confidence.
Focus on Phonics
Readers must understand how letters and sounds work together. Create word family charts (cat, hat, bat) to help with pattern recognition. Play "I Spy" with beginning or ending sounds. Example: “I spy something that starts with ‘b’” (book!). Use magnetic letters to build and change words (dog → log → frog).
Create Sight Word Interactive Activities
Create a sight word scavenger hunt around the house. Write sight words on sticky notes and hide them in different rooms. When your child finds one, ask them to read it aloud. Sight words don’t follow traditional phonetic rules, so they need to be memorized. Practicing them regularly helps children recognize these words instantly, improving their fluency.
Encourage Writing About Reading
Start a daily writing routine with your child. This could be as simple as writing a few sentences about their day, or making a grocery list together. Writing reinforces the letter-sound relationship and helps children internalize the spelling of words they read.
Supporting a developing reader doesn’t have to be difficult. By making reading fun and engaging through small daily actions, you can help your child build the skills and confidence they need to succeed.
