Teaching Reading at Home: Expert Tips, Strategies, and Resources for Parents
Teaching reading at home can feel overwhelming, especially with so much conflicting advice. Should you focus on phonics or sight words? What if your child struggles to recognize letters or refuses to sit down with a book? Many parents wonder if they’re teaching reading the “right” way.
The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. I’ve interviewed reading specialists, dyslexia experts, and educators who have spent decades helping kids learn to read. In this article, I’m sharing their best reading strategies, tips, and insights to help you teach your child to read with confidence.
Whether you’re working with a preschooler, kindergartener, struggling reader, or an older child who needs extra support, these expert-recommended techniques will give you practical, research-backed ways to make learning to read fun, effective, and stress-free.
Expert Reading Tips for Teaching Reading at Home
I’m Jackie, a homeschooling consultant and the founder of HomeSchool ThinkTank. Over the years, I’ve worked with parents who want to help their children learn to read but aren’t sure where to start. To bring you the best insights, I’ve interviewed experienced reading teachers and literacy specialists who have helped children of all ages become confident readers.
Together, these experts provide research-backed, practical reading strategies that parents can implement at home—whether you’re teaching a preschooler, kindergartener, supporting an elementary-age child, or helping an older struggling reader build essential literacy skills.
Meet the Experts: Proven Reading Strategies from Experienced Educators
Throughout this article, you’ll learn from three highly qualified reading experts who have dedicated their careers to helping children develop strong literacy skills. Their insights will help you teach reading effectively at home.
➡️Margaret Craig: Award-Winning Reading Recovery Teacher & Author of The Young Reader
Margaret Craig—affectionately known as “Miss Margie” to her students—is a seasoned educator with a background in Reading Recovery and literacy instruction. Trained in Columbia University’s Teachers College Reading and Writing Project, she spent decades working with students in both public and private schools. Now, as the author of The Young Reader, Margaret helps parents equip their children with the skills needed to become confident readers.
➡️Alison DeFrees: Dyslexia Specialist & Orton-Gillingham Practitioner
Alison DeFrees is a certified teacher and dyslexia expert who brings both personal and professional experience to her work. Diagnosed with dyslexia as a child, Alison didn’t learn to read until she was 13 years old. She has since earned a Master’s in the Arts of Teaching from Georgia State University and trained under a Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators. With years of experience teaching small-group Orton-Gillingham instruction—including at the renowned Schenck School—Alison tutors struggling readers online, helping children worldwide overcome reading challenges.
➡️ Mary Gallagher: Reading Specialist, Literacy Coach & Co-Author of Teach a Child to Read with Children’s Books
Mary Gallagher is a reading specialist, literacy coach, and advocate for school choice. As a retired Title One teacher with extensive experience in early childhood literacy, she specializes in helping children develop a love of reading that keeps them motivated through the learning process. Mary is also the co-author of Teach a Child to Read with Children’s Books, a guide designed to make learning to read a natural and engaging experience for young learners.
The Building Blocks of Learning to Read
Reading isn’t just about recognizing words—it’s a multi-step process that involves five essential components:
1. Phonemic Awareness: The Foundation of Reading
Phonemic awareness is a child’s ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in words. Margaret Craig explains:
“Before a child can connect letters to sounds, they need to be able to hear and break words apart. Simple activities like rhyming games, clapping out syllables, and playing with sounds can make a big difference in strengthening phonemic awareness.”
📌 How to Build Phonemic Awareness:
✔️ Play rhyming games and sing nursery rhymes.
✔️ Clap out syllables in words together.
✔️ Use “I Spy” but with sounds: “I spy something that starts with /b/.”
2. Phonics: Connecting Sounds to Letters
Phonics teaches children how letters and sounds work together. Alison DeFrees emphasizes:
“When kids struggle with reading, it’s often because they haven’t been taught phonics explicitly. Phonics isn’t just for young learners—it’s a game-changer for older struggling readers, too.”
📌 Effective Phonics Activities:
✔️ Use magnetic letters to practice blending sounds into words.
✔️ Read decodable books that focus on specific phonics patterns.
✔️ Play “word detective” by finding specific letter sounds in books.
3. Fluency: Making Reading Smooth and Natural
Fluent readers can read quickly and accurately while understanding what they read. Mary Gallagher shares:
“One of the best ways to help children read fluently is by modeling expressive reading. Read aloud often, and encourage your child to follow along.”
📌 How to Improve Fluency
✔️ Echo reading: Read a sentence, then have your child repeat it.
✔️ Choral reading: Read aloud together.
✔️ Use audiobooks paired with print books.
4. Vocabulary: Expanding Your Child’s Word Knowledge
A strong vocabulary is essential for reading success. Margaret Craig notes:
“A rich vocabulary helps children recognize and understand words quickly. Talk to your child throughout the day, introduce new words naturally, and use books as a tool to expand their word knowledge.”
📌 How to Build Vocabulary at Home
✔️ Engage in Everyday Conversations – Use descriptive language and introduce synonyms (e.g., “That’s a big dog! It’s enormous!”).
✔️ Label Everyday Objects – Stick notes on common items (table, chair, refrigerator) to reinforce word recognition.
✔️ Encourage Storytelling – Have your child describe pictures in books, retell stories, or make up their own.
By encountering new words regularly, children develop the confidence and curiosity needed for strong reading comprehension.
5. Comprehension: Understanding and Engaging with Text
Reading isn’t just about recognizing words—it’s about understanding them. Without comprehension, reading is simply decoding symbols. Mary Gallagher explains:
“We want kids to think about what they’re reading, not just say the words out loud. Asking questions, making predictions, and discussing stories help them connect with books in a meaningful way.”
📌 Strategies to Improve Reading Comprehension
✔️ Ask Open-Ended Questions – Instead of “Did you like the book?” try “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?”
✔️ Encourage Visualization – Have your child describe a scene or draw a picture based on what they read.
✔️ Make Connections – Relate stories to their personal experiences: “This book is about a trip to the beach—remember when we went?”
Margaret Craig suggests taking a moment to pause during reading:
📖 “Stop and ask, ‘What just happened?’ This simple habit encourages children to stay engaged and actively think about the story.”
By incorporating these techniques, children learn to think critically about texts, improving their comprehension skills and enjoyment of reading.
Helping Your Child Learn to Read: Expert Advice from Mary Gallagher
In this video, reading specialist and literacy coach Mary Gallagher shares practical strategies for teaching reading at home. Discover how to create a literacy-rich environment, use children’s books effectively, and make reading an enjoyable experience for your child.
Practical Strategies for Teaching Reading at Home
Teaching your child to read doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach, you can create a supportive, engaging environment that makes learning to read enjoyable and effective. Below, our reading experts share practical, research-backed strategies that parents can use to build strong literacy skills at home—whether you’re starting with the ABCs or helping a struggling reader gain confidence.
📌Helping Your Child with Sight Words and Phonics
Parents often hear conflicting advice about whether to focus on phonics or sight words. Margaret Craig explains that both approaches are valuable but serve different purposes.
“Phonics teaches children to decode words, while sight words help them recognize common words quickly. The key is to use both methods in a way that supports your child’s learning style.”
✔️ Label objects with sight words to help recognition.
✔️ Start with a few high-frequency sight words and practice them in context.
✔️ Show how sight words fit naturally into sentences when reading aloud.
Combining phonics with sight word recognition helps children become stronger, more confident readers.
📌 Make Reading Fun and Engaging
Children learn best when they enjoy the process. Mary Gallagher recommends:
“Games, storytelling, and interactive activities make reading enjoyable and help kids retain what they’ve learned.”
✔️ Play phonics-based games like letter-matching or word-building.
✔️ Act out stories or use silly voices while reading.
✔️ Let your child choose books that spark their interest.
📌 Read Aloud Every Day
Reading aloud strengthens vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills. Margaret Craig encourages parents:
“Even if a child can read independently, they still benefit from hearing stories read to them.”
✔️ Choose books slightly above your child’s reading level.
✔️ Pause to ask questions and encourage discussions about the story.
✔️ Let your child follow along in the book while you read.
📌 Use a Structured, Step-by-Step Reading Approach
Many children benefit from a structured approach to reading. Alison DeFrees, an Orton-Gillingham specialist, stresses the importance of breaking reading instruction into small, manageable steps:
“The key is to introduce new concepts gradually, ensuring mastery before moving on. Start with letter sounds, then blend them into simple words before progressing to more complex texts.”
✔️ Begin with phonics-based lessons and simple words before moving to more challenging texts.
✔️ Use a multisensory approach—write words in sand, use letter tiles, or trace letters with your fingers.
✔️ If your child struggles, revisit foundational skills before pushing ahead.
Overcoming Common Reading Challenges
Even with a solid reading routine in place, many children encounter obstacles along the way. Some struggle with letter recognition, while others resist reading altogether. The good news? These challenges are normal, and with the right strategies, parents can help their children move past them. Here’s how our experts suggest tackling some of the most common reading hurdles.
Challenge #1: “My Child Struggles to Recognize Letters and Sounds”
Letter recognition is the foundation of reading, and some children need more hands-on, interactive experiences to connect letters with sounds. Margaret Craig emphasizes the importance of using multisensory activities to engage children in learning:
“Young children learn best through play and exploration. Hands-on tools like magnetic letters, busy books, and alphabet puzzles help reinforce letter recognition without feeling like ‘work.’”
➡️ Ideas for Letter Recognition
✔️ Magnetic Letters – Use them on the fridge or a whiteboard to build words and practice letter sounds.
✔️ Busy Books – Interactive books encourage hands-on learning with textures and moveable pieces.
✔️ Alphabet Puzzles & Letter Blocks – These tactile activities help kids see and feel letter shapes.
✔️ Flashcards with Pictures – Reinforce letter-sound connections by associating letters with images (e.g., “B” with a picture of a ball).
✔️ Sing and Move – Alphabet songs, letter-tracing in the air, and phonics dance moves make learning active and fun.
✔️ Letter Hunt – Point out letters on signs, packaging, and books to help kids recognize them in different contexts.
📖 “Children learn best when they can see, hear, and touch. Use letter tiles, sand trays, or even shaving cream to help reinforce letter shapes and sounds in a fun way.” – Margaret Craig
By incorporating these simple activities into everyday life, parents can help their children build strong letter-recognition skills in a natural and enjoyable way.
Challenge #2: “My Child Can Sound Out Words but Struggles with Fluency”
Some children can decode words but read very slowly, making it difficult for them to understand what they’re reading. Mary Gallagher suggests using repeated reading to build fluency:
“When children read the same passage multiple times, their speed, accuracy, and confidence improve. Choose short, engaging stories and encourage your child to reread them.”
➡️ How to Build Reading Fluency
✔️ Echo Reading – Read a sentence aloud, then have your child repeat it.
✔️ Choral Reading – Read aloud together to build rhythm and confidence.
✔️ Use Audiobooks with Print Books – Let kids follow along while listening to fluent reading.
✔️ Repeated Reading – Encourage your child to reread favorite books multiple times.
✔️ Take Turns Reading – Alternate reading sentences or pages to model fluent reading.
Challenge #3: “My Child Hates Reading”
If reading feels like a battle, it’s important to figure out why. Alison DeFrees notes that struggling readers often avoid books because they associate reading with frustration:
“If reading feels hard all the time, kids start to resist. The key is to make reading a positive, pressure-free experience.”
➡️ How to Encourage Reluctant Readers
✔️ Let Them Choose Books – Even if they seem too easy, the goal is to build interest.
✔️ Try Different Formats – Graphic novels, audiobooks, or interactive e-books can help.
✔️ Read Aloud Together – Make reading a special time, not just another task.
✔️ Make It Fun – Use silly voices, act out stories, or turn reading into a game.
Challenge #4: “My Child Guesses at Words Instead of Sounding Them Out”
Some kids rely on guessing instead of using phonics to decode words. Margaret Craig warns that this habit can slow down reading progress:
“Encourage your child to look at all the letters in a word, not just the first one. Cover up parts of the word and reveal them gradually to help them sound it out.”
➡️ How to Stop Guessing Words
✔️ Play “Word Detective” – Cover parts of a word and reveal them slowly.
✔️ Use Finger-Tracking – Guide their eyes smoothly across the page.
✔️ Encourage Slow, Careful Reading – Break words into smaller parts instead of rushing.
Challenge #5: “My Child Skips Words or Loses Their Place”
Losing place while reading is common, especially for children still developing visual tracking skills. Mary Gallagher suggests using simple tools to help:
“A bookmark, a piece of paper, or even your finger can help guide their eyes across the page. If skipping words is frequent, it might be worth checking for vision issues.”
➡️ Ways to Keep Your Place When Reading
✔️ Use a Reading Guide or Ruler – Helps focus their eyes on one line at a time.
✔️ Increase Font Size – Larger, clear text can make reading easier.
✔️ Check for Vision Issues – If skipping words is frequent, consider an eye exam.
The Young Reader: Teaching Reading with Margaret Craig
In this video, award-winning Reading Recovery teacher Margaret Craig shares expert strategies to help parents teach their children how to read. Learn how to build strong foundational reading skills, support struggling readers, and make reading an engaging and rewarding experience for your child.
Helping Struggling Readers Gain Confidence
Not all children pick up reading at the same pace. Some kids may struggle with letter recognition, blending sounds, or fluency. Others may feel discouraged if reading doesn’t come easily. Alison DeFrees, who overcame dyslexia herself, emphasizes that struggling readers need patience, encouragement, and the right strategies to build their confidence.
“A struggling reader doesn’t mean a child isn’t smart. It just means they need a different approach. Giving them the right support and breaking reading into small, achievable steps can make all the difference.”
📌 How to Help a Struggling Reader
- Go Slow and Celebrate Small Wins – Break reading tasks into manageable steps. Praise progress, no matter how small.
- Reread Favorite Books – Repetition builds confidence and fluency.
- Use Audiobooks Alongside Print Books – Listening to fluent reading helps kids develop an ear for rhythm and expression while following along with text.
- Try Tactile Learning Tools – Sandpaper letters, letter tiles, and tapping out syllables help reinforce learning.
- Make Reading a Team Effort – Read together and take turns so your child doesn’t feel overwhelmed.
- Read for Less Time – Break reading time into shorter, stress-free sessions.
If your child struggles with reading, don’t panic. Many children need extra time and support. Alison DeFrees, who overcame dyslexia herself, reminds parents:
“Reading difficulties don’t mean a child isn’t smart. With the right approach and patience, every child can become a confident reader.”
With the proper support, struggling readers can develop skills and confidence at their own pace.
Making Reading Fun: Encouraging a Love of Books
Children are more likely to persevere through the challenges of learning to read when they enjoy books. Mary Gallagher emphasizes the importance of making reading a joyful experience.
“If a child loves books, they will be more willing to practice reading. Choosing engaging stories and reading together creates a positive association with books.”
📌 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Read:
- Read aloud every day, even after your child can read independently.
- Let your child pick books they’re interested in, even if they seem too easy.
- Use expressive voices and act out stories to make reading engaging.
- Create a cozy reading nook to make reading feel special.
- Visit the library and explore new books together.
- Read a wide variety of books.
- Discuss the books you’re reading together and encourage your child to share their thoughts on the books they’ve been exploring.
By making reading enjoyable, children develop a lifelong love of books and the motivation to keep improving their skills.
Encouraging Independent Reading
As children become more comfortable with reading, fostering independence is the next step. Mary Gallagher highlights that children need both structure and freedom in their reading journey.
“Kids thrive when they have a sense of ownership in their reading choices. Give them opportunities to explore books that interest them while also guiding them toward texts that support their learning level.”
📌 Ideas to Help Your Kids Learn to Love Reading
- Let Kids Choose Books – Even if the books seem too easy, the goal is to keep them engaged.
- Provide a Mix of Challenging and Comfortable Reads – Striking a balance keeps reading enjoyable while still encouraging progress.
- Create a Daily Reading Habit – Even 15–20 minutes a day makes a big difference.
- Model a Love for Reading – Let your child see you reading for enjoyment.
- Use Book Series to Build Momentum – Once a child connects with a character or storyline, they’re more likely to continue reading.
Independent reading strengthens fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—key skills for lifelong learning.
Get Your Free Reading Resource Pack
Teaching your child to read is an incredible journey, but it can also feel challenging at times. To make it easier, I’ve compiled a free guide to support you every step of the way.
📚 What You’ll Get:
✅ Free dyslexia-friendly reading tips and tools.
✅ A full chapter from Teach a Child to Read with Children’s Books by Mary Gallagher.
✅ Printable ABC books and activities for young readers.
👉 Click here to download your free Reading Success Pack now!
These expert-designed tools are here to help your child develop strong reading skills while keeping learning fun and stress-free.
With the right strategies, patience, and a little fun, you’ll help your child develop lifelong reading skills. Celebrate small wins, stay consistent, and enjoy the journey—you’re giving your child a gift that will serve them for a lifetime.
Recommended Reading Resources for Parents
If you’re looking for additional tools to help your child learn to read, these resources are incredibly helpful. Each provides valuable strategies, activities, and inspiration for parents teaching reading at home.
- The Young Reader by Margaret Craig: This book offers practical strategies to teach reading and is designed specifically for parents, whether your child is just starting or needs additional support.
- Teach a Child to Read with Children’s Books by Mary Gallagher: A fantastic resource for using everyday children’s books to create an engaging, natural reading experience for your child.
- Orton-Gillingham-Based Materials: Alison DeFrees recommends using multi-sensory tools and games inspired by this proven methodology for struggling readers or children with dyslexia.
- Get Dyslexia 101: The Free Parent’s Guide to Understanding Dyslexia – Alison has compiled helpful information and resources to help parents support their child through reading and dyslexia.
For more ideas, explore our carefully curated list of recommended reading resources, thoughtfully compiled by our guest experts in collaboration with HomeSchool ThinkTank.
Reading and Dyslexia Specialist Alison DeFrees Shares Expert Insights
In this video, Alison DeFrees shares valuable insights about helping dyslexic readers. We’ve highlighted the most helpful moments from our interview to give you key takeaways at a glance.
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