Frequently Asked Questions

Aim for 15-20 minutes of focused reading time each day. Consistency is more important than duration. Research shows that daily 15-minute sessions are more effective than longer, irregular reading sessions. For children ages 5-7, start with 10 minutes and gradually increase. For ages 8-10, 20 minutes is ideal. The key is making it a consistent, enjoyable part of your daily routine.

Common signs include: difficulty recognizing letters or sounds by age 6, avoiding reading activities, frequently guessing at words without looking at letters, difficulty blending sounds together (c-a-t = cat), trouble with rhyming words, reading much slower than peers, or persistent frustration despite regular practice. If you notice multiple signs, consult with your child's teacher or a reading specialist for evaluation.

No. Correct strategically to maintain confidence and flow. For minor errors that don't affect meaning (like saying "a" instead of "the"), let them continue. For significant errors that change meaning, wait until the end of the sentence or page, then gently point it out. Ask "Does that make sense?" to encourage self-correction. The goal is building confidence and comprehension, not perfect performance.

Phonics is the method of teaching reading by connecting letters with their sounds. It helps children decode new words independently by sounding them out rather than memorizing every word. Phonics instruction is crucial because it gives children the tools to read unfamiliar words, building their confidence and independence. Research shows that systematic phonics instruction significantly improves reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.

Use the "five-finger rule": have your child read a page from the book. If they struggle with more than five words, the book is too difficult. Choose books where your child knows 90-95% of the words for independent reading, and slightly harder books (85-90% known words) for reading together. Also consider your child's interests - a motivated reader will tackle harder material on topics they love.

This is a common comprehension issue. Practice active reading strategies: Before reading, discuss the title and make predictions. During reading, pause to summarize and ask questions. After reading, discuss the story and make connections to your child's life. Teach visualization techniques - ask your child to describe what they "see" in their mind. Start with easier texts to build comprehension skills before moving to grade-level material.

Make reading enjoyable by: letting your child choose books on topics they love (sports, animals, adventure), trying different formats (comics, magazines, graphic novels), reading in fun locations (tent, treehouse, park), using silly voices for characters, reading together as a family activity, and never using reading as punishment. Connect reading to their interests - if they love dinosaurs, find dinosaur books. Building positive associations is more important than forcing time.

Introduce new words naturally through conversation and reading. When encountering unfamiliar words, explain meanings in context, use them in different sentences, and encourage your child to use them. Play word games like "I Spy" with descriptive words. Read diverse books that expose children to rich vocabulary. Label objects around your home with interesting words. Most importantly, have conversations that use varied vocabulary beyond simple, everyday words.

Reading speed varies by age and stage. For ages 5-7, slow, deliberate reading is normal as children learn to decode. By ages 8-10, fluency should improve. If your child reads accurately but slowly, practice repeated reading of favorite passages to build automaticity. If slow reading comes with frequent mistakes or frustration, there may be underlying decoding issues worth addressing with a specialist. Prioritize accuracy and comprehension over speed.

Set clear routines: reading time comes before screen time. Use screen time as a reward for completing reading. Consider e-readers or reading apps as a bridge - they're screens, but with reading content. Aim for a 1:1 ratio of reading to recreational screen time for elementary-aged children. Model good behavior by reading yourself during family time instead of using devices. Make reading the default activity rather than screens.

Educational technology can supplement, not replace, traditional reading. Quality reading apps can provide additional practice, track progress, and make learning interactive. Look for apps with: systematic phonics instruction, age-appropriate content, progress tracking, and engaging activities. However, research shows that physical books and parent interaction remain crucial for developing strong reading skills. Use technology as one tool among many, not the primary method.

Most children transition between ages 6-8, but it varies. Signs of readiness include: reading fluently with expression, showing interest in longer stories, maintaining focus for 15-20 minutes, and understanding more complex plots. Start with early chapter books that have illustrations and short chapters. Don't rush the transition - picture books build important comprehension skills. Let your child's interest and confidence guide the timing.

Bilingualism is an asset. Continue speaking your native language at home while building English skills. Provide books in both languages. Many reading skills transfer between languages. Focus on phonics for English sounds that differ from your native language. Allow extra time for vocabulary development. Celebrate bilingualism as a strength. Consider bilingual books that show both languages side-by-side to build connections.

Challenge them appropriately: provide advanced books on topics they love, encourage deeper comprehension questions, introduce different genres and writing styles, have them write their own stories, and discuss themes and character motivations. Ensure emotional content matches their age even if reading level is advanced - a 6-year-old reading at 4th grade level may not be ready for complex emotional themes. Focus on comprehension depth, not just reading more difficult words.

Extremely important. Continue reading aloud throughout elementary school. Read-alouds expose children to complex vocabulary and sentence structures above their independent reading level, model fluent reading with expression, create bonding time, and foster a love of literature. Even for strong readers ages 8-10, hearing advanced books read aloud builds comprehension skills and expands their literary horizons beyond what they can read independently.