Making Learning to Read for Kids Fun (Yes, Really!)

Reading is one of life's essential skills. It guides us, broadens our minds, challenges our imaginations, and turns the mundane into magic. That's why teaching kids to read is a significant milestone. As parents or caregivers eager to provide the best start for the children in your life, it's a journey you can fully engage in.

Learning to read isn't like picking up speech; it's more like cracking a code. But it's a code that can be deciphered. With our deep love for books, we've invested plenty of thought into making reading enjoyable for kids. Ready to discover all our secrets?

The Right Time to Begin

When's the best time to start reading with your child? From day one, if you like! Reading to a child before they can even speak is a soothing, bonding experience. Once they start asking questions, the real fun begins. Why not add a personalized touch to your journey with 'ABC for You' by David Cadji-Newby and Andrew Weale?

Listen and Learn

Phonics is the key to unlocking the 'code' of reading and writing. It breaks down word sounds, relates them to letters, and then pieces everything back together. It's recommended to start with letter sounds, like the alphabet, before progressing to short vowels and consonant digraphs. It may seem like a lot of work, but you're essentially building a new neural network!

Say it, See it

High-frequency words are the building blocks of reading. Words like 'and', 'it', 'as', and 'the' may not be thrilling on their own, but they're essential for connecting everything together. By emphasizing these words when reading and making eye contact with the child, you show them the importance of every word.

Do it Together

While solo reading can be delightful for adults, making reading a group activity is essential for making it fun for kids. Turn it into an event, build a den, and invite special guests, like grandparents, to join in.

Get Curious

Encourage children to ask questions about everything they read. When reading a story together, pick out details and ask them to contextualize the words. Once they understand the 'whys', the words will have a place in their minds for future reference.

Get into the Beat

Singing helps with everything, including reading. By singing, you engage both sides of the brain, making it more effective for retaining knowledge. Singing the alphabet or nursery rhymes can be a fun way to reinforce reading skills.

Order Matters

Sorting games help children understand sequences and the order of events, which are fundamental to forming sentences. Once they grasp these skills, they can apply them to words, sentences, and stories.

Surround Them with Words

Expose children to as much print as possible. From newspapers to shop signs, encourage them to decipher what things say. Linking daily actions with symbols helps reinforce reading skills.

Above all, be patient and focus on the joy of discovery. Each child follows their unique path to reading mastery. So, avoid comparisons and celebrate their progress along the way.

Ready to dive in and start reading? Many of our personalized books feature the child's name not only in the story but also hidden in the illustrations – a perfect way to help them learn letters and recognize words."