Effective Strategies to Help Your Child Become a Confident Reader
With the right strategies and tips, it won’t be long before your child is reading bedtime stories to you!
As a mother of three, I’ve spent years practicing pronunciation, reading books, and teaching handwriting. As a writer, reading and writing bring me immense joy and are how I make a living. However, I’ve also come to realize that my children are not me, and their experiences with reading and writing might differ from mine.
Each of my children is unique, and their willingness to practice reading and writing varies. One of my children finds reading challenging and needs extra creativity to engage with language arts. Through discussions with literacy experts, I’ve discovered fun and educational apps and games, and I’ve learned the importance of patience in the process.
If your child struggles with reading, know that they are not alone. According to the Canadian Children’s Literacy Foundation, over one million Canadian children are reading below their grade level.
“Early identification is crucial,” says Dr. Valdine Björnson, founder of the Manitoba Reading and Learning Clinic. “Over-identification is not a concern; under-identification is the problem. Supporting students early and providing proactive prevention is much easier than intervening with older students.”
If your child hasn’t learned to read yet or you feel they are falling behind, don’t panic. There are plenty of resources and support available. Below, you’ll find helpful guidance to get started.
When Do Kids Learn to Read?
Learning to read is a gradual process, but children typically become early readers between the ages of five and seven. “Research shows that reading levels in Grade 3 are strongly linked to high school graduation rates,” says Björnson.
Theresa Bertuzzi, co-owner and founder of Tiny Hoppers, a Canadian preschool and daycare organization, explains that by age eight, children should be able to read easily. Teaching children to read is a team effort, especially when additional support is needed.
Reading Apps Designed for Kids
Walk into any public school classroom, and you’ll find technology. Educators have integrated technology into their teaching strategies as a tool to support learning. While an iPad won’t teach your child to read, using technology wisely can support their learning and help keep them engaged. Reading apps can encourage kids to interact with content and give them access to hundreds or even thousands of books—a vast, accessible library at their fingertips.
My children enjoy sitting quietly with our iPad at home, learning letters and reading comprehension. As we continue to use our favorite apps, they absorb and learn the most.
Reading Games for Kids
Both tactile and digital games can help promote reading development in children. Most kids enjoy learning while playing and get fully immersed in the process. There are many physical products available to enhance reading skills. My kids have a shelf full of fun reading games that our whole family has played over and over. Some of our favorites include:
- Lovevery Reading Skills Set: This newly launched phonics course has become a daily summer activity, engaging my reluctant readers in ways I’ve never seen before.
- Pop-It Games: Our family loves playing Pop-It Games, a multi-sensory activity designed by reading experts to engage children with a popular popping toy.
- My First Bananagrams: I’m a fan of word games, so when the super-popular Bananagrams released a version for early readers, I was thrilled. My First Bananagrams is perfect for kids learning spelling, helping them build confidence through wordplay.
- Fine Motor Hedgehog Spike’s First Words: I’ve been buying Learning Resources products for over a decade, and one of our favorite reading activities encourages fine motor skills while developing early literacy.
The Power of Storytelling in Early Literacy
The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends using storytelling activities to develop early language and literacy skills. Research shows that structured storytelling can enhance the learning environment and support early literacy development.
“Storytelling is an excellent way to nurture literacy skills. When students listen to stories and encounter new ideas and vocabulary through engaging storytelling, it impacts their understanding of writing and story organization,” says Björnson.
Through oral storytelling and reading aloud, children are exposed to different worlds, cultures, and life experiences. These activities help spark their imagination and enable them to empathize with others.
How to Teach Your Child to Read
Parents of children at all ages should find engaging and fun books to read together.
“Look for interesting stories and topics that will engage your child and connect with them while reading,” says Björnson. “Parents should also look for texts that encourage involvement in cultural, environmental, and other relevant themes. Engage with the story by asking questions and relating the plot to things that are meaningful to your child.”
Final Thoughts
Every child learns to read at their own pace, but with patience, creative strategies, and the right tools, you can help your child develop a love for reading. Whether through educational apps, fun games, or storytelling, there are countless ways to support your child on their literacy journey. Stay consistent, make learning fun, and celebrate every milestone along the way!