When my 5-year-old mastered all her letters and sounds, we moved on to blending and learning sight words.
What I didn’t expect was how difficult blending would be. I’ve always followed her lead when it comes to reading, not pushing any skill until she’s ready. (She’s in pre-k this year and will start kindergarten when she’s 6.) We read together every day, and she wanted to read out loud, too. Asking me to read specific words and trying to read pages herself, which is why we started to practice blending.
However, I soon learned I made a big mistake in teaching her how to read. I started with a list of all the main site words, not taking into consideration how difficult words like “are” “the” and “she” would be for a beginner.
I was an English teacher for eight years, teaching students from 8th grade to seniors. I also taught a class to struggling readers, high school kids with elementary level reading skills and significant reading disabilities. In addition, I’ve been tutoring kids with dyslexia and other learning disabilities, going back all the way to foundational reading skills. Because of my experience, I felt so mad at myself for moving on to something that my daughter wasn’t ready for. Knowing I had missed an important step in teaching my daughter to read, I asked my mother-in-law, who is a reading specialist, for tips.
Her tip? Start with simple consonant-vowel-consonant (CVC) words. It was a game-changer!
Back to Basics: The Power of CVC Words
I immediately made a list of simple CVC words to teach her—words like “cat,” “red,” “bug,” “cup,” “net,” “fox,” “pin,” and “jam.” These words were easy for her to blend and recognize because of the three distinct sounds, and it didn’t take long before I saw her confidence soar.
We began with words she had already memorized, like “cat,” which gave her a quick win. She was excited to read these words aloud, and I could see the joy in her eyes as she started recognizing words for herself. It was the boost she needed to build a solid foundation in reading.
Blending with a Fun Trick: Tap for Each Sound
Another fantastic tip from my mother-in-law involved tapping for each sound as we blended the words. Here’s how it works:
- For the sound “m,” tap your shoulder.
- For the sound “u,” tap the middle of your arm.
- For the sound “g,” tap your wrist.
As we said the sounds slowly, one tap for each, my daughter and I would swipe our hand down her arm and say the full word—“mug.” By breaking up the sounds, then bringing them together, she began blending more easily. We use this technique for every new word, and it’s been an excellent way to reinforce the process.
We’re still in the blending phase, and I’m holding off on introducing “heart” words (like “that” or “she”) until she’s fully ready.
Why Reading Together Every Day is Key
One thing I can’t stress enough is how important it is to build a love for reading before focusing too much on specific skills. Read together every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Visit your local library and let your kids pick out books they’re excited about. Share what you’re reading, too—show them that you love books!
For example, right now, my daughter and I are obsessed with Fancy Nancy. She’s constantly asking questions about the book we’re reading: “Do you think Fancy Nancy will move?” or “Can you believe Fancy Nancy writes for a newspaper?” When they connect with stories that resonate with their interests, reading becomes more fun and natural.
Establish a routine, whether it’s reading after breakfast or before bed. The more consistent you are, the more your child will start to look forward to reading time and the togetherness it brings..
The Long-Term Impact of Reading: Building Confidence and Curiosity
As someone who’s taught countless kids who struggled with reading, I’ve seen how it affects more than just academic performance. A fixed mindset about reading—feeling like they “can’t” or “don’t like” to read—can impact social interactions, group projects, and self-confidence.
I can relate, too. Growing up, I convinced myself I wasn’t good at math, and that belief held me back throughout school. Developing a growth mindset is critical, and it starts with fostering a love of reading. The simple act of reading together can spark curiosity, build confidence, and create a lifelong love for books.
Final Thoughts
Just 10 minutes of reading with your child every day can truly make a difference. When your child shows interest in learning more, then you can move on to letter recognition and blending. But for now, focus on building that enthusiasm, and remember: the journey to reading is about enjoying the process, not rushing through it.
Happy reading!