Teaching reading at home is not a mysterious skill reserved for teachers. If you follow a sensible order and keep it positive, you can absolutely help your own child learn to read.
Start with sounds, not letter names
When your child is learning to read, the sound a letter makes is more useful than its name. The letter 'm' says /m/ — that is what helps them read 'mat'. Say pure sounds: /t/ not 'tuh', /s/ not 'suh'.
Blend little and often
Start with short three-sound words: sun, big, top, red. Say each sound, then run them together faster and faster until the word appears. Ten focused minutes a day beats an hour once a week.
Read for enjoyment every day
Reading aloud together builds vocabulary and a love of books long before your child reads alone. Campaigns like Nal'ibali show how powerful daily story time is for South African children.
Let your child choose books sometimes — even re-reading a favourite is great practice.
Key takeaways
- Teach the pure sound a letter makes before its name.
- Practise blending short words a few minutes a day.
- Read aloud together daily to build a love of books.
References & further reading
- Nal'ibali — South Africa's reading-for-enjoyment campaign
- Department of Basic Education — CAPS Foundation Phase
External sources open in a new tab. Saving Grace Education Group is not affiliated with these organisations.