How can I help my child practice their reading skills?
You're here looking for answers and championing for your child. That makes you an amazing parent!
Let’s talk about a few things every parent needs to know. And then let’s talk about four effective strategies to support your child’s reading.
Three Things Every Parent Needs to Know
1. You Are NOT a Failure
You're here looking for answers and championing for your child. That makes you an amazing parent! The fact that you're seeking better solutions shows your dedication.
2. "Just Read More" Is Harmful Advice
If you've heard this advice from your child's school, you've probably tried it. And if you're reading this, that advice likely led to tears, frustration, and that sinking feeling that you're somehow failing your child.
When a child struggles with reading, it's not due to lack of practice—it's due to lack of skills. Asking a child without the right reading tools to "just read more" is like asking someone to paint a room with a screwdriver.
3. There Are Better Ways to Support Your Child
You can help your child develop literacy skills while avoiding the tears and meltdowns. Let's explore what actually works.
Four Effective Strategies for Supporting Your Child's Reading
1. Get Skills-Based Reading Intervention
We cannot practice skills we don't have. The Orton-Gillingham approach is specifically designed for struggling readers and teaches reading in a way that works for different learning styles.
What is Orton-Gillingham?
A structured, systematic approach to teaching reading
Teaches the "code" of reading through explicit phonics instruction
Uses multiple senses (seeing, hearing, touching) to help learning stick
Builds skills in a logical sequence from simple to complex
2. Play Games That Build Reading-Related Skills
Games can develop critical thinking skills that support reading without the pressure of actual reading. Pro Tip: Play as teams to support reading and reduce stress!
No-Prep Games You Can Play Today
Charades
Pictionary
Memory Match
Simon Says
I Spy
Chain Story
Word Association
20 Questions
"I'm Going to the Market"
Rhyme Time
Games You May Want to Purchase
Word on the Street
Apples to Apples (Junior Version)
Pictionary
Guesstures
3. Try Audiobooks and Shared Reading
Listening to books creates positive experiences with books that builds confidence and enjoyment. Audiobooks and reading outloud helps your child develop:
Comprehension skills
Vocabulary
Understanding of proper phrasing
Knowledge of story elements
Critical thinking abilities
4. Try Using Decodable Readers
Reading can be enjoyable when children have the skills to succeed. Decodable readers contain only words using the phonics patterns your child has already learned.
How to find the right decodable readers:
Ask your child's reading specialist or teacher which patterns they've mastered
Look for books labeled with specific phonics patterns
Start with very simple decodable books and gradually increase difficulty
Check out At Home Resources in our Resource Library.
Celebrate when your child successfully reads these books!
Remember the Key to Success
Supporting your child's reading journey comes down to three simple principles.
Practice the skills they already have
Find support to teach the skills they don't have yet
Celebrate every success, no matter how small
Building reading skills is a marathon, not a sprint.
Your child will make progress — with the right support, tools,
and your encouragement!