How to teach kids to read with ease: 10 simple steps to try at home

We finally gave in and got our son a gaming console. What can I say? Our willpower wavered helplessly in front of those pleading puppy dog eyes. Then came a sweet Black Friday deal, tipping the balance in his favour.

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But in a wild twist of fate, this gaming console became an unexpected reading tutor. The installation process? It wasn’t just plug-and-play.

My 7-year-old had to read the instructions on the screen—which was clearly not his idea of a fun hour of gaming.

And so my progeny was forced to focus on the words before he could proceed. 

I never thought I’d say this, but on that fateful day, I truly began to appreciate the power of instruction manuals and tutorials. 

They got my point across far better than I’d been able to. Reading wasn’t just important—it was the difference between victory and utter digital destruction.

“Mum, do I have to read?” He whined.

Oh yes, young Padawan, now you must. His little fingers hovered over the controller, unsure of the right answer: “Yes” or “No.”

To proceed any further, he had to battle the words before him like a knight decrypting some ancient quest. Turns out nothing motivates a kid to read like the threat of losing to a bunch of pixels.

So he read and he learned.

Suddenly, learning to read wasn’t just some boring school thing his teachers used as a torture tool—it was his key to unlocking the digital universe of gaming glory. Now, he knows: in the game of life, reading is mandatory DLC.

So, in the spirit of giving our little ones the best tool there is, here’s how to teach kids to read.

The power to read

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Teaching kids to read is like unlocking the door to a million worlds, one word at a time. Not only that, but early reading influences cognitive abilities, mental health, and brain structure during adolescence. Studies find that kids who read for fun score better on tests.

So, yeah, it is one of the best skills you can pass on to a child. Whether you’re a parent or an educator on a mission to turn little learners into confident readers, here are ten easy steps to guide you.

From playful activities to tried and tested techniques, these tips will make reading at home fun and rewarding. But before you can teach your child how to read, you need to understand how kids learn to read in the first place.

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Understanding how kids learn to read

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Kids primarily learn to read through phonics. Phonemic awareness is the ability to recognise and juggle the sounds in spoken words.

For example, the word “cat” is made up of three sounds: /k/, /a/, and /t/.

Research has shown that systematic phonics instruction is essential, where kids learn a specific sequence of letter-sound relationships.

Spoken words and letter sounds: An essential step in reading instruction

Children are taught 42 letter sounds, which mix the alphabet sounds (1 sound – 1 letter) and digraphs (1 sound – 2 letters) such as sh, th, ai, and ue. 

Using a multi-sensory approach, each letter sound is introduced with fun actions, stories and songs. For example, the ‘s’ sound can be taught using ‘Susie the Snake’ song:

“Susie the snake is slithering along,
Ss, ss, ssss.

Susie the snake is slow and long,
Ss, ss, ssss.”

The first step is to teach the letter sounds in seven groups of six letters at a rate of four to five sounds a week. Once kids grasp this concept, teachers can start reading short words like ‘cat’ and ‘bat.’

To give you an idea of the pace, children complete all 42 letter sounds after 9 weeks at school.

Can I skip the phonics?

Unfortunately, no.

Skipping phonics is like teaching addition without understanding numbers 1-10. You need that solid base to construct a strong building! If a child struggles with these foundational concepts, they may end up facing a reading roadblock.

This is why step-by-step instruction in phonics is crucial. The good news is there are some great resources (including apps, songs, and free printables) that can help you and your kid catch on the concept really quickly!

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How to teach kids to read in 10 simple steps

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Here’s how to teach kids to read in ten simple steps:

1. Understand the core skills involved in teaching kids to read

Learning to read effectively involves mastering multiple core skills. There are five essential components of reading that all children need to develop for successful literacy:

• Phonemic awareness: The ability to hear and manipulate the different sounds in words.
• Phonics: Recognising the connection between letters and the sounds they make.
• Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words, their definitions, and context.
• Reading comprehension: The ability to understand text—both in storybooks and informational books.
• Fluency: The capability to read aloud with speed, accuracy, and proper expression.

2. Systematic phonics instruction for reading skills

Systematic phonics instruction is crucial for helping kids become proficient readers. This method teaches them the relationship between the letters (graphemes) and the sounds (phonemes) of the language.

You can start by engaging your child with phonemic awareness activities.

Sing songs, recite nursery rhymes, and play clapping games to emphasise the sounds in words. This fun approach strengthens the foundation for phonics skills while boosting their early reading capabilities.

Need a little help going over the phonics with your kids? This Australian Phonics Song is perfect. It’s not too fast or slow and you can do this once a day to reinforce the letter sounds your child is learning at school. (There’s a complete list at the end of this article. )

3. Play with letter magnets

Use letter magnets and alphabet blocks to make learning fun and interactive. You can use these to reinforce the letter sound. For example, place the picture of a car or cat next to the letter ‘c.’

Middle vowel sounds can often be challenging for children and letter magnets can be a helpful and interactive tool to help understand. Here’s an example:

1. Arrange letter magnets on the fridge or a magnetic board and separate the vowels (a, e, i, o, u).
2. Say a CVC word like “rat” and have your child spell it using the magnets.
3. Pronounce each vowel sound aloud (/ay/, /eh/, /ih/, /oh/, /uh/) while pointing to each letter, and ask your child to identify the sound that matches the middle sound of the word.

This activity makes learning fun while also enhancing phonological awareness.

4. Improving reading comprehension

What did I just read?

Well, that is what the question of reading comprehension aims to address.

Reading comprehension is a critical skill that hinges on a child’s ability to decode words, which involves applying knowledge of letter sounds and patterns to pronounce words accurately. It helps them go from “Wait, what?” to “Aha!”

To level up, throw in some lively book discussions! Get them to recap the story in their own words and hit them with questions that keep their brains buzzing.

Here are a few to help you get the ball rolling:

• What do you think this book will be about?
• Where does this story take place?
• What happens if we start the book from the back?
• What do you think will happen next?

These questions help kids connect the dots between spoken language and written text, while also raising their vocab and giving them the confidence to face any plot twist. But hey, don’t turn this conversation into an interrogation. Keep it light and casual.

5. Engage your child in a print-rich environment

Want to boost your child’s reading skills? Turn your home into a print-rich paradise!

You can display books, labels, posters, and charts to make written words a regular part of their daily environment. Their room and your kitchen are the best places!

Heading out? Billboards and street signs are basically giant flashcards. Point out letters and words like you’re on a word safari. Keep the questions coming, too!

• “What sound does that letter make?” (Hint: it’s not “Mmm, donuts.”)
• “What other word starts with that sound?” (Be prepared for “poop.” It always comes up.)
• “What rhymes with that word?” (Answer? Anything that makes them giggle.)

This turns the world into their reading lab, where letters become friends and rhymes spark laughter. And while they think you are playing a fun guessing game, you are, in fact, stealthily building up their early literacy skills.

6. And then play some more (word games at home)

Reading can be boring, but games that require wordplay are not. So, why not transform your everyday routine with word games to build your child’s reading skills?

The goal remains the same. You have to grow their ability to hear, identify, and play with the sounds in words—and turn them into little phonic ninjas. (Sneaky learning disguised as fun, aka a big parenting win!)

Try asking those same questions, like;

• “What sound does this word start with?” (Extra points if their answer isn’t “dinosaur.”)
• “What sound does it end with?”
• “Can you think of other words that start with that sound?” (Brace yourself for a surprising parade of random objects and wrong answers.)
• “What rhymes with this word?”

Soon enough, they’ll be reading like pros—and if not that, you will notice they won’t be intimidated or overwhelmed when they sit down with a book.

7. Building speed and accuracy in reading

Another way to help your child read is to help develop their reading fluency.

Reading fluency is all about getting kids to read accurately, at a good pace, and with a bit of flair (dramatic voices welcome).

It’s about reading with confidence, speed, and expression. Think of it as the “reading Olympics.” To help them train, practice reading aloud together. And don’t forget: Monkey see, monkey do! When they see you genuinely enjoying a book, they’re far more likely to jump on the reading bandwagon.

So, pick up your favourite book, or grab one you’ve wanted to get around to. Now is the best time! And in this case, let them catch you reading—it’s the best way to show them that stories aren’t just for bedtime or school.

8. Harness the power of technology

Let’s face it: reading doesn’t beat video games in the fun department.

But with a little tech magic, learning to read can feel just as engaging as their favourite game! Technology makes learning interactive, adaptable, and far more fun for little ones.

It also plays a pivotal role in sustaining motivation and can be especially useful when children hit learning barriers that make them feel overwhelmed. E-readers, for example, turn reading into a choose-your-own-adventure experience, where kids can read a passage and then pick an image that best represents it. This approach keeps the activity enjoyable and significantly improves reading comprehension by integrating visual feedback, which helps reinforce the material.

The thing is, learning to read should be an enjoyable process. This will keep kids motivated to improve. And while most kids are often pumped to learn at first, once they hit a tricky spot, their excitement plummets fast.

However, using tech tools can help sustain their motivation and fill in those frustrating “learning gaps” that make reading feel overwhelming.

We suggest some amazing apps at the end that can help make reading become a treasure hunt rather than a task, keeping kids motivated and excited.

9. Read together daily and ask questions about the book

Regular reading time is essential in developing a profound love for reading and equipping your child with various literacy skills. During these sessions, sound out words together and discuss the content to enhance comprehension skills and vocabulary.

Engage both younger and older children by asking questions tailored to their understanding:

• For younger kids: “Do you see the boat? What colour is the cat?”
• For older kids: “Why do you think the little bird was afraid?” or “When did Sophie realise she had special powers?”

Encourage your child to respond or repeat phrases during reading, which helps fluency and confidence. If they struggle with a word, gently remind them of its pronunciation or meaning instead of correcting them abruptly. You can also alternate reading pages or sentences so they can practice reading aloud and understand the flow of written language, making them feel more capable and involved.

My advice is to read kids their favourite books again and again! Yes, you may end up reading Roald Dahl or Eric Carle for what may feel like the millionth time, but it’s a great way for kids to pick up words.

My 3-year-old couldn’t read but we read “Peter Rabbit” so many times, he knew the story by heart!

Many people don’t realise how many skills kids pick up just from reading together. Not only are they learning to sound out words, but they’re also building comprehension skills, growing their vocabulary, and hearing how a fluent reader brings a story to life. It’s a tiny act with a huge impact!

10. Play games to memorise high-frequency sight words every day

Last but not least, sight words!

Sight words are a crucial component of becoming a fluent reader. These are words that appear frequently but may not follow standard phonetic rules. That’s why there’s a need for them to be recognised on sight.

For example, the following words are sight words:

You, I, we, am, had, and, to, the, have, they, where, was, does

Engage your child in daily practice through fun games that help cement these words in their memory. For example:

• Write high-frequency sight words on Post-It notes (like ‘the’, ‘and’, ‘I’)
• Stick these notes on a wall
• Have your child throw a sock ball at the Post-It corresponding to the word you call out

Wrapping it up

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And there you have it! Each of these strategies targets a different part of the reading journey, creating a well-rounded approach to literacy that meets elementary kids right where they are and sets them up for independent reading and beyond—even if that includes reading instructions on how to download games on their PS5.

Calling for backup? These effective strategies can help

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1. Online reading programs

As a parent, I love tech! It’s basically a parent’s go-to when they need just 10 minutes to finish a task. But thanks to some genius designers and educators, online reading programs like ABC Reading Eggs are hidden gems that actually make screen time beneficial for kids!

And since apps like these convert learning into games and fun challenges, kids begin to learn to enjoy reading. Another great app that helped my child was Khan Academy Kids.

Khan Academy Kids is a free educational app designed for children ages 2 to 8, aiming to provide fun and engaging learning experiences across a range of subjects.

It was created by Khan Academy in collaboration with early childhood education experts and offers interactive lessons in reading, math, writing, language, social-emotional learning, and critical thinking.

I loved it. It was safe, and my child spent his screen time learning and watching age-appropriate content.
What was even sweeter? My kid thought he was getting some screen time and playing games, but little did he know he was actually mastering the art of phonics.

2. Word games galore

If you prefer something more physical, you can go old school and bring out the board games!

Word games like Scrabble Junior are a fantastic way to sneak in some reading practice without the risk of a full-blown “Let’s sit down and read a book” battle.

You could also use phonics games that come with phonics instruction—or if you want to test the water, print out a few printable ones and see how your kid feels about it.

3. Make learning fun through DIY Games!

Teaching sight words can feel like a marathon, but with flashcards and games, it becomes a sprint to success.

Create a flashcard game that feels more like a competition. Challenge your child to a “sight word showdown.” My son took it to the next level by declaring, “If I get this right, I deserve a cookie!” Sure enough, every time he read a sight word correctly, there was a cookie break. I suspect he was more motivated by the snacks than the reading—but hey, whatever works!

By mixing up these strategies and keeping the learning lighthearted, you’ll help your child become a proficient reader and foster a love for reading that lasts a lifetime. Plus, you’ll have plenty of laughs along the way!

Learning tips from the wise

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1. “Breathe—and start again later”

If teaching letter sounds to your toddler is turning into a battle, it might be time to take a breath, step back, and evaluate your options—or methods. After all, you’re on the same team!

While some children quickly pick up concepts, others might need a little more reassurance and gentle coaxing. If you or your child start feeling upset or stressed during one of these reading sessions, it may be time to take a break and return to it later.

2. Let them love their books

Let them explore the pictures, highlight words, and simply enjoy the books. See what works for your child. Is it a list of their favourite characters? The same story every night? Or maybe they prefer it when you read aloud to them.

3. Appreciate their effort—even the half-hearted one

I won’t sugarcoat it—there are moments when the frustration can make you feel like you’re sitting there, armed with your flashcards and a plethora of enthusiasm, and your little one is convinced that “th” words are like a choose-your-own-adventure book, except it’s a comedy of errors.

If it starts with “th,” they might as well guess “the,” “that,” or “throne” (because who doesn’t love a good royal reference?).

But after the fifth guess, you lose your patience. You might find yourself thinking, “Oh my God, it’s not a game of ‘Guess Who’—it’s reading! How hard can this be?”

At that point, remind yourself that your child is still trying. So gently correct them, and move on.

4. Lead by example

I read every night—whether on a Kindle or a paperback. If my child doesn’t feel like reading, he sometimes just lies next to me, peeking at my screen as he waits to fall asleep.

The other night, a tiny voice whispered, “Is the,” as he spotted the words on my page! Moments like these make the journey worth it.

5. The joy of finding words they know

Help them spot familiar words in the world around them. Cereal boxes, cookie wrappers, and even toy packaging are great for impromptu reading practice.

Recommended resources: Apps, websites and tips

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Here are some great Aussie resources for early childhood reading programs that include apps, tips, and activities:

• ABC Reading Eggs
  ABC Reading Eggs is a well-known app that supports early reading development through interactive games and activities. Heads up, it requires a subscription fee, but it does offer a trial period.
• ELLA Apps:
  As part of the ELLA initiative, these apps not only focus on language development but also incorporate early literacy skills in a fun, engaging manner.
• Storybox Library:
  Storybox Library isn’t exclusively government-backed, but it is often recommended in early childhood education circles for its vast collection of Australian stories that can support reading and comprehension skills.
• Let’s Read
  This initiative promotes reading with children from birth to five years old, providing resources for families to share stories, rhymes, and songs. You can find reading tips and a downloadable reading pack on their website.

And if you are wondering where to start, here’s something Albert Einstein once said: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.”

Sources

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Children’s Health Queensland, The ‘s’ sound – Susie the Snake song, September 2023

Child Mind Institute, What’s the Best Way to Teach Kids to Read, December 2024

Hulme & M.J Snowling, Learning to Read: What We Know and What We Need to Understand Better, August 2015