How to Teach a Child to Read in 3 Easy Steps

Many teachers know how to teach a child to read and in the past parents have always relied upon this knowledge to teach their child this basic life skill when they enter school, but teaching a child to read even before they reach school age is becoming more popular and many new parents wish to know what they can do to get their child started early.

If you have considered getting started early and want to know how to teach a child to read then here are 3 basic steps or techniques you can try to get started.

Step One

Introduce basic letters to your child as early as 10 – 12 months of age. This can be done in the traditional way using blocks or magnetic letters. You could also use a chalkboard to display letters or make flashcards. Show your baby the letter and say the letter to them. Then, use the letter in a word associated with a picture. For example, show the letter “c” to your child and then say the letter as it sounds “cee”. Then show a cup and say the letter again and the word “cup”. This method allows your baby to learn the letter along with the name and the particular sound. This helps build recognition of the letter and begins to introduce phonics as well.

Step Two

After you have introduced the basic letters to your child you should begin to introduce letter blends to them. Blends are two consonants together such as “st” or “pl” or “bl”. Make a list of common blends (you can get these online in several places), but no more than ten to start. Recite these to your child and have them repeat the sounds back to you. Continue this until your child has mastered the list and then move to a new set.

Step Three

At this point your child is ready to begin learning full words. By building a foundation of letters, phonics and blends, you child will be able to quickly understand the structure of the words and how they are pronounced. Begin with basic words such as Cat, Ball, and Cup. Break each word out into segments for example “C / at”. Sound out each part of the word and then repeat to blend the word into one. Have your child repeat the word back in this manner. They will begin to understand word structure here and how letters form words. After they have mastered some basic words, begin to introduce words utilizing the blends you have created.

Learning how to teach a child to read may seem intimidating, but it is actually quite easy and can be a fun way to bond with your child while teaching them a new life skill. Remember to keep it fun and uplifting so your child wants to learn and always reward them with lots of love and appreciation.