Is your child struggling to learn how to read? It’s more important than ever for children to learn how to read. Proficient readers have higher test scores, are hired for better-paying jobs, and can often take better care of themselves. However, teachers have less time to focus on individual children, and learning to read is complicated. For example, have you ever tried to sound out the word “who?” 

You are your child’s first teacher, whether or not you have a degree in education. It sounds like a daunting task to teach another human how to read, let alone how to do it well. Thankfully, you can take some simple steps at home to ensure your child learns how to read with less of a struggle.

Read with your child.

It’s never too early to start reading to your child. The sound of your voice reading a Book stimulates your baby’s brain and will eventually help them learn how to read. It’s best to read books to your infant every day. However, it’s also never too late to read to older children.

As your child grows, you can show them the words you’re reading. Talk about the pictures on the pages and point to the words representing them. Move your finger from left to right across the page while you read. Make it a game to find the same small words on a page, such as “to” or “it.” Eventually, your child will begin to read to you.

Search for age-appropriate books for your child. It’s easier for small children to learn when there are only 3-5 small words per page. You can make reading fun and take turns reading each page. If your child isn’t in the mood for reading, don’t try to force them, or they may grow to resent reading.

Focus on phonics.

Children need to learn the Letter sounds before they can begin to read. Some letters are simple and only make one sound; however, there are letters with multiple sounds. Play games and read rhyming books to help your child listen for similar and different sounds. You can also emphasize the letter sounds at the beginning, middle, and end of everyday words. For example, you can stress the “C” in “cup” as you pass your child their drink at dinner.

Make a wordy world.

There are many ways to incorporate more words into your child’s life. You can fill your house with post-it notes, labeling everything at your child’s eye level or below. It’s also simple to print, purchase, or create flashcards that you can look at with your child every day. Your child will love to make letters with play dough, shaving cream, or tracing them on paper.

Show your child how many letters are in the world around them. Point out the letters in movies or on receipts and signs. For example, you can play games in the car to see who finds the next letter of the alphabet and can say the sound it makes. While standing in line at the grocery store, you can also sound out things you’ve put in your cart.