If your Grade 1 child cannot read yet, start by finding the exact skill that is missing – usually letter sounds or blending – and practise just that, in short daily sessions. Most Grade 1 children who are behind are not struggling because something is wrong; they simply need more structured phonics practice. With the right, steady support at home, the vast majority catch up.
Children develop at different rates, and early in Grade 1 it is common for some not to be reading independently yet. What matters is the direction of travel: is your child slowly building letter sounds and blending, or stuck and losing confidence? If progress has stalled, that is your cue to step in with focused practice – not to panic.
If your child is making little progress despite steady, structured practice – or shows persistent trouble with rhyme, sounds and spelling well into the year – it is worth speaking to their teacher and, if needed, an educational psychologist. A structured catch-up programme also helps, and benefits every struggling reader whether or not a difficulty is ever formally identified.
Saving Grace Learn to Read rebuilds reading step by step, in short daily lessons your Grade 1 child can do at their own pace. It goes right back to the sounds and blending, so gaps are filled properly. The first two lessons are free, no card needed.
