Tips for Helping Early Readers

As parents, we are our children’s first teachers, and the steps we take early on can set them up for a lifetime of successful reading and learning. Here’s our guide to some key literacy terms, concepts, and tips that every parent should know to help their child become a capable and confident reader.

Shortly after our third child was born we realized that “opposite” has more than two directions. Each one of our kids learned to read in a slightly different way. However, the basic concepts of learning to read stayed the same for all three. Pointing out sounds, letters, and words as we went along the way was essential to laying the foundation for reading success.

Early Literacy Tips

Supporting your child as they learn to read can feel like a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and tools, you can make it a rewarding journey for both of you. These are some of the concepts we found to be very useful on our reading journey with our children.

The Role You Play in Early Literacy Development

Let me start by saying, that you’re already doing so much more than you might realize to help your child on their reading journey. Every time you chat with your little one during diaper changes, describe what you’re doing as you prepare meals, or point out things on your walk in the park, you’re laying the groundwork for their literacy skills.

Talking, singing, and reading with your child are some of the most powerful tools you have. These everyday activities are more than just bonding moments—they’re opportunities to build a solid foundation for reading and writing.

But as your child approaches school age, it’s helpful to get familiar with a few key terms and strategies that can make a big difference in how you support their learning.

Key Literacy Terms Every Parent Should Know

When it comes to helping your child become a strong reader, understanding these fundamental literacy concepts will empower you to be more effective in your role.

Comprehension

Comprehension is the heart of reading. It’s not just about reading words on a page; it’s about understanding and making meaning from what you read. Even before your child can read on their own, you can help them develop comprehension skills.

Talk about the stories you read together, ask them questions, and encourage them to think about what might happen next. This process of making connections, asking questions, and thinking critically about a story is what builds strong comprehension skills.

Decoding

Decoding is a fancy word for figuring out what a word says. When your child encounters a new word, they use decoding skills to break it down and sound it out. This is where understanding the relationship between letters and sounds (a concept called phonics, which we’ll get into next) becomes essential. Decoding is one of the first steps in learning to read independently.

Fluency

Fluency is the ability to read smoothly and expressively. It’s not just about reading quickly, but about reading in a way that makes the text easy to understand. Think of fluency as reading with the rhythm and expression of natural speech.

When you read aloud to your child, model fluent reading by paying attention to punctuation, varying your tone, and pausing where it makes sense. This helps your child understand how fluent reading sounds and feels.

High-Frequency Words

High-frequency words are the words your child will see most often in books. These include words like “the,” “and,” “it,” and “you.” Because they appear so frequently, it’s important for your child to recognize them quickly.

Phonics

Phonics is all about the relationship between letters and sounds. When your child learns that the letter “b” makes the /b/ sound, they’re learning phonics. Phonics instruction helps children understand that letters and combinations of letters represent the sounds of spoken language.

This is crucial for both reading and spelling. You can support your child’s phonics development by pointing out letter-sound relationships in everyday reading, whether you’re looking at signs, labels, or books.

“This a book. The word “book” starts with the letter b. What sound does the letter “b” make? Buh…buh…buh…”

Sight Words

Sight words are those tricky little words that don’t always follow the standard phonics rules. Words like “said,” “was,” and “come” need to be recognized by sight because they don’t sound like they’re spelled.

Flashcards, memory games, and repetition are great ways to help your child learn these words so they can read them quickly and confidently.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is simply the collection of words your child knows and uses. The more words they know, the better they can understand what they read and express themselves. You can build your child’s vocabulary by talking to them, reading a variety of books, and introducing new words in context.

Encourage your child to ask questions about unfamiliar words and take the time to explain what they mean. Several studies have shown that a rich vocabulary correlates to success in life.

Practical Tips for Helping Early Readers

Now that you’ve got a handle on the key concepts, here are a few practical tips to help you put this knowledge into action:

1. Read Aloud Daily: Reading aloud to your child is one of the most effective ways to build their comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency. Choose a mix of books—some that are just for fun and others that challenge them with new ideas and words.
2. Play with Language: Incorporate language play into your daily routine. Sing songs, recite nursery rhymes, and play word games. This makes learning fun and helps your child develop phonological awareness and vocabulary.
3. Make Reading Interactive: Don’t just read the words on the page—talk about the story. Ask your child what they think will happen next, how a character might be feeling, or why something happened. This helps build comprehension skills and keeps your child engaged.
4. Create a “Print-Rich” Environment: Surround your child with opportunities to read. Label items around the house, keep a variety of books within reach, and encourage your child to help with grocery lists, recipes, or even reading street signs.
5. Use Sight Words in Context: Practice sight words in everyday situations. Whether you’re out for a walk or preparing a meal, point out sight words in your environment. This helps your child see the relevance of what they’re learning.
6. Celebrate Progress: Learning to read is a big deal, and it’s important to celebrate the milestones along the way. Whether it’s recognizing their first sight word or reading a whole book on their own, make a big deal out of their achievements to boost their confidence.

You’ve Got This!

Keep it fun, stay patient, and enjoy the journey—you’re building a foundation that will last your child a lifetime.

Other learning resources you may find helpful:

• Write a Shape Book with Your Pre-Reader
• Make the Most of a Library Trip
• Kindergarten Summer Reading Readiness
• Tips for Helping Early Readers
• How to Help Your Child Be a Better Reader
• Backyard Adventure Begins with “The Never Starting Tales”
• Reading Assessments for Reading Success

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