Families can play a key role in helping early elementary students improve their reading skills. Here are several strategies that can support children in becoming confident, capable readers:

1. Read Together Regularly

• Daily Reading Time: Set aside time every day for reading together. This can be storybooks, picture books, or even simple early readers. Consistent reading helps students build fluency.

• Ask Questions: After reading a story, ask questions about the plot, characters, or setting to develop comprehension skills.

• Take Turns Reading: Let your child take turns reading with you, so they practice on their own while receiving your support. You can also echo read--ask your child to repeat what you just read.

2. Provide a Print-Rich Environment

• Books at Home: Ensure there are age-appropriate books at home that are accessible to the child. This may include picture books, simple chapter books, and books that reflect their interests.

• Label Objects Around the House: Label common items (like "door," "table," or "window") to help connect words with real objects.

• Reading Materials Beyond Books: Encourage reading of various materials like menus, signs, labels, and even grocery lists.

3. Encourage Phonemic Awareness and Phonics Practice

• Play Sound Games: Help your child identify the sounds in words (phonemes), and encourage them to blend and segment sounds. For example, say “What is the first sound in 'dog'?”

• Practice Word Families: Work on rhyming words and word families (e.g., cat, hat, bat) to build recognition of letter patterns.

• Play with Letters: Use magnetic letters, letter tiles, or flashcards to practice letter sounds and sight words.

• Clapping for Syllables: Clap word parts together. Ex: Clap the word "reading". Ask your child how many claps you did.

• Magnetic Letters: Use magnetic letters to form words on your refrigerator or other surface.

  • Making Names: Have your child practice making his/her name.

  • Letter Match: Ask your child to find letters that look exactly the same as the letters in his/her name. 

  • Making Words: Have your child make simple words like mom, dad, dog, me, etc. 

  • Letter Games: Make up your own games with letters and sounds. (Example: make a simple word without the first letter.  Ask what that letter should be.)

  • Word Chains: Start with a 3 letter word and change one letter to make a new one. (Example: Start with dog and change the "d" to an "h" to make hog.)

4. Develop Vocabulary

• Talk Regularly: Engage in rich conversations with your child. Use new words in context and explain their meanings.

• Context Clues: Encourage your child to guess unfamiliar words using the surrounding text. For example, “What do you think the word 'glisten' might mean based on how it’s used?”

• Play Word Games: Games like "I Spy" with letters or words, or word-building games, can be fun ways to expand vocabulary.

5. Foster a Love of Reading

• Read for Enjoyment: Make sure reading isn’t just a task. Share books that are fun and exciting, and allow your child to choose books that interest them.

• Model Reading: Let your child see you reading for pleasure. This can motivate them to appreciate reading as something enjoyable and valuable.

• Visit Libraries: Regular trips to the library allow children to explore books in various genres and find books they enjoy.

6. Use Technology Thoughtfully

• Educational Apps: Consider using educational apps or websites that focus on reading, phonics, and vocabulary. Look for interactive, age-appropriate programs that make learning fun.

• Audiobooks: Listening to audiobooks can help students hear fluent reading and follow along with the text. This can improve listening skills and build a stronger connection between spoken and written language.

7. Provide Praise and Support

• Celebrate Progress: Praise effort rather than perfection. Celebrate small achievements, such as successfully sounding out a word or reading a book independently.

• Stay Patient and Encouraging: Every child progresses at their own pace, so avoid putting too much pressure on them. Provide encouragement and positive reinforcement to build confidence.

8. Set Realistic Goals

• Track Progress: Help your child set small, achievable reading goals, such as reading a certain number of pages or books in a week.

• Monitor Comprehension: Ensure that your child isn’t just reading words but also understanding what they’re reading. Ask them to retell the story in their own words or discuss the characters and events.

9. Create a Consistent Routine

• Set a Regular Reading Schedule: Consistency is key. Establish a time each day when reading is the focus, whether it's before bed, after school, or in the morning.

• Quiet Reading Time: Create a calm, quiet space where your child can read independently without distractions.

10. Work with Teachers

• Stay Informed: Communicate with your child’s teacher to understand their progress, strengths, and areas that need more practice.

• Support School Activities: Participate in school-related reading activities and be proactive in offering support, whether it's at home or through volunteer work.

By integrating these strategies into daily routines, families can provide their early elementary children with the tools and encouragement needed to develop strong reading skills.