As the school year begins and teachers prepare to welcome eager young learners, there is one classroom that children spend time in every single day: the home. And the most important teacher there is you, the parent or caregiver.
From their very first days, you are their nurturing guide to a budding world of knowledge, discovery, and language. You are their guide as their curious minds begin to develop and absorb new sights, sounds, and words.
Reading at Home: Does It Matter?
Research shows that children who are read to at least three times a week are almost twice as likely to recognize all letters of the alphabet. (National Center for Education Statistics, 2012)
Even as your child grows and begins reading independently, your involvement still matters. Talking about what they read, asking questions, and exploring different kinds of books together helps them think critically, make connections, and stay motivated. The home is where a love of reading is planted—and like any seed, it grows best when nurtured every day.
How can I support my child at home as they develop their reading this school year?
Here are some age-appropriate reading skills to incorporate in your daily reading at home!
Kindergarten (5–6 years old)
- Play with sounds: Ask, “What’s the first sound in dog?” or “Can you think of a word that rhymes with cat?”
- Point to the words: Show them how we read left to right.
- Spot their name: Find their name in books, on signs, or in mail (it’s an easy confidence boost!)
1st Grade (6–7 years old)
- Take turns reading: Model how to read with expression and help with tricky words.
- Practice “everyday” words: Words like the, said, and because pop up a lot and are worth mastering.
- Use phonics-friendly books: Choose books that match the letter sounds they’re learning in school.
- Ask them to retell the story: This helps them remember and understand what they read.
2nd Grade (7–8 years old)
- Talk about word parts: Show how adding -ed makes past tense or re- means “again.”
- Connect stories to life: “Has anything like this ever happened to you?”
- Mix in nonfiction :Animal books, fact books, and how-to guides build knowledge.
3rd Grade (8–9 years old)
- Ask about the main idea and theme: “What was the big point of the story?”
- Compare two books: “How was this story like the last one we read?”
- Encourage variety: Try mysteries, biographies, and poetry to keep it fresh.
- Build reading stamina: Set aside 15–20 minutes for quiet, independent reading each day
Every stage of reading development builds on the last, and your encouragement is vital to building confidence and motivation!
Start reading today! Looking for more stories and tools to spark a love of reading? Explore BookSpring’s Digital Library and discover free family resources at BookSpring’s Family Reading Tips.