Reading is a vital skill for children to master. Learning to read opens up a world of knowledge and entertainment through books. It also allows children to succeed academically across all subjects. However, learning to read can be challenging for some children. As a parent, there are several useful tips you can follow to help your child learn to read.
Make Reading Fun
It’s important to make reading an enjoyable activity for children. If they associate reading with boredom, they will be less motivated to practice. Try reading to them in silly voices, getting excited while reading, and letting them pick books they find interesting. Praise them for reading and don’t criticise mistakes. The key is developing a lifelong love of reading.
Read Aloud Together
Reading aloud to children, even if they can already read, promotes reading skills. Let them listen to more advanced books above their reading level. Ask questions about the books to check their understanding. As you read, run your finger under the words so they connect reading and speech. Read signs, menus and labels together when you are out and about.
Make Books Easily Accessible
Children are more likely to pick up a book in their free time if books are readily available at home. Set up a cosy reading nook with a bookshelf stocked with books suited to their interests and reading level.
Have books in every room – the car, their bedroom, living spaces. Take regular trips to the library or bookshop to refresh the selection. Your fostering allowance can be put towards some new educational or fun stories.
Encourage Decoding and Sounding Out Words
When your child gets stuck on a word, ask them to sound it out. Prompt them to look at the first letter or break the word into smaller parts. For longer words, break it into syllables. Help them use picture clues if there are illustrations on the page. Identify patterns like prefixes, suffixes and rhyming words. With patience and practice, sounding out words will become automatic.
Build Sight Vocabulary
Along with sounding out words, children need to memorise a bank of common words on sight. Focus on the most frequently used words like ‘the’, ‘and’, ‘but’ etc.
Point out sight words when reading, post them around the house, and practice reading flashcards. Recognising sight words speeds up reading fluency.
Focus on Phonics
A strong grasp of phonics (letter-sound relationships) is key for decoding new words. Choose phonics books and games with your child’s teacher’s input. Break down unfamiliar words by sounds. Sing songs and say nursery rhymes that highlight phonics patterns. Activities like magnet letters on the fridge make phonics practice hands-on.
Be Patient and Make it Fun
Above all, have patience with your child and emphasis enjoyment over perfection. Learning to read takes time and practice. Make it a laid-back part of your family routine rather than a pressured academic chore. With your support, soon your child will become a confident reader for life.
