How to Teach Your Child to Read: 3 Simple Steps

Not only have I taught all of my children to read, but I’ve also had experience teaching many other children to read when I was a former public and private school teacher. There is nothing like the warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you hear your child read their very first word.

Read on because I have a BONUS TIP at the end!

This is the first post in the Reading Series. Read the next one here – Tips on how to motivate your child to read for pleasure.

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Step 1 – Talk to your child.

Do parents talk to their kids anymore?

How about this for an idea – When you put your baby in the shopping cart, instead of giving them your iPhone, talk to them. Instead of looking to quickly entertain your sweet five year old child with a tablet the second they’re awake, talk to them.

Instead of sitting at the dinner table with your face(s) behind an iPhone, discuss deep topics with your teens. 

What would happen if parents did this? We’d have more young adults who are not only well-informed, but also more thoughtful and ready to discuss and debate on a level beyond pure emotionalism.

“But what does this have to do with kids learning to read,” you ask?

Even though talking is usually thought of as a speech-only skill, that’s not true. Speaking with your child helps them form sentences, become familiar with new words and how they are used, as well as learn how to use context clues when someone is speaking about something they may not know a lot about.

Step 2 – Read to your child.

What is reading aloud? It is exactly that – when you read aloud to your child.

And, no, don’t start when they’re three years old. Start when they’re in your womb.

Science has shown that reading to your baby in the womb promotes brain activity, early literacy skills, and language development.

This awesome book contains all you need to know about the immense benefits of reading aloud. –

And even when your child is finally reading on their own, they still need read alouds.

How often should you read aloud to your child? Reserve around ten minutes every other day to read to your child. If you’d like to read aloud more often than that, try twenty minutes daily.

Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.

Emilie Buchwald

“So…what books should I read aloud?” – A Note on Children’s Literature

What is children’s literature?

Children’s literature is a dynamic entity in its own right that offers its readers many avenues for pleasure, reflection, and emotional engagement.

Kerry Mallan (Oxford Reads)

Kerry Mallan goes on to explain –

The irony of children’s literature is that, while it is ostensibly for children, it relies on adults for its existence. This reciprocal relationship between adult and child is, however, at the heart of education.

I prefer classic children’s literature…however, when I was a little girl I didn’t necessarily go for those types of books, until one day…

I started reading The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. When young Mary was orphaned, I found myself empathizing with a character I didn’t particularly like (she was spoiled).

With tears in my eyes, and feelings in my heart I perhaps never felt before, I learned to love someone who I initially could not relate to at all. The point is, the classics taught me lessons I didn’t even know I had to learn — and for that, I am grateful, alhemdulilah.

Classics have endured time because they offer something greater than the rest – important learning experiences, different (and, often times, difficult) perspectives, elegant writing, and a presentation of essential values unparalleled by most other works.

Step 3 – Pick & use a reading curriculum.

Few children learn to read just by being read to. Studies have found that specific instruction in the major parts of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) is the best approach to teaching most children to read.

Instruction should also be systematic (well-planned and consistent) and clear. Instead of reinventing the wheel, purchase a reading curriculum that’s best for your family and use it.

I will be reviewing and comparing two very popular reading curriculums that I’ve used to teach my kids to read, so be sure to check back soon!

Bonus Tip – Motivation is EVERYTHING!

Has anyone ever asked you what age you started reading? I doubt it. (And if they did, perhaps hang out with some other folks. 🙂 )

It’s not about what age your child starts reading. Rather, the question you should ask is – Does my child love reading?

This love will be what motivates your child to value reading for a lifetime and motivates them to read often. Your desire should be for your child to view reading as so delightful that they will want to read every book they get their hands on.

FAQs about teaching your child to read

At what age should a child be reading fluently?

On average, most kids are able to read independently and fluently by the end of third grade, which is around when they are 9-10 years old. Children at this age are able to read simple sentences and storybooks. By age 11-13, your child should begin to use reading as a learning tool.

At what age should I start reading instruction?

I prefer starting with a gentle reading curriculum at age 3 or 4, but it will vary depending on each child’s developmental stages.

What causes a child to struggle to read?

Children may struggle with reading for a variety of reasons, including limited experience with books, speech and hearing problems, poor phonemic awareness, or a learning disability.

Helpful Links

This is the first post in the Reading Series. Read the next one here – Tips on how to motivate your child to read for pleasure.

Coming soon! – A comparison and review of two very popular reading curriculums!