Readabiltiy Blog

20 Tips on How to Improve Your Child’s Reading

June 28, 2022

Helping a child with homework can sometimes be difficult for parents. Lessons change and classroom instruction also evolves as educators gain deeper insight to the efficacy of specific strategies. Some children struggle with the fundamentals of literacy; parents might struggle on how to help children boost their reading fluency and comprehension.

Even if children haven’t fallen too far behind grade-level expectations, providing reading instruction at home isn’t always easy. The good news is that there are so many ways to help struggling readers. Here are 20 tips on how to improve your child’s reading.

1. Identify a child’s struggles.

When parents want to help a child, they need to know how to help. Talk to the child’s teacher to better understand a child’s unique struggles. Some children might need help with letter sounds and identification. Children also could struggle with reading fluency or reading comprehension.

2. Ditch the clock.

Stop timing daily reading. While educators might specify that children need to read 15 to 30 minutes per night, some children read longer per day and then don’t read as much another day. Aim for balance, but setting the clock could distract a struggling reader or make them more anxious. Focus on quality reading minutes not clocked reading minutes.

3. Create a reading environment conducive to the child’s needs.

Does the child become easily distracted by noise? When helping a child with any subject or lesson, create a learning environment that is conducive to learning for that child’s needs. Ask a child where they wish to read; create a reading habitat with pillows or just sit together on the couch. If a child is distracted by siblings, go read somewhere quiet.

4. Create an interest/disinterest list.

Encourage children to create a list of their interests and disinterests. This can help parents find books that will hold the child’s attention. Children also can specify if they prefer longer or shorter books, chapters or no chapters, etc. The goal is to find the best books to help every reader feel comfortable and confident.

5. Stay on their level.

To encourage reading practice and to better help children who struggle with reading, parents should understand their reading level. Most schools send reading reports home that includes information on the child’s reading level (this could be a range). Use this information to ensure children are choosing books that aren’t too easy or too difficult.

6. Give children the choice.

While parents need to ensure that children are reading at their appropriate level, parents also shouldn’t force a child to read books selected by parents. Instead, let children choose the books they wish to read. This is why creating a reading interest list could be beneficial.

7. Read to children.

While reading to children might seem counterintuitive to helping them gain reading fluency and confidence, reading aloud to children can engage them in the story. Parents should ask questions about the story as they read to ensure the child is following the story and understands what is happening. For younger readers, ask questions focused on the w/h prompts: who, what, where, when, why and how.

8. Ask children to read with parents.

While parents can and should read to children, they also can alternate between reading the story and asking the child to read aloud. Consider this a group reading effort. Help children sound out words that may be difficult for them and provide guidance as needed.

9. Practice sight words.

Children in lower elementary grades will typically need to memorize and master a list of sight words. Practice these lists frequently. While flashcards are the easiest way to skill and drill these words, playing sight word games can be much more amusing for children. Mix play and learning by creating a match game using sight words or play Go Fish with sight word cards. For Go Fish, parents should make four cards for each word (play the game as normal). For a match game, just make two cards for each sight word; shuffle the deck, place them face down and take turns choosing matches (children should say the word when they flip the card).

10. Read poetry together.

Poets who write for children create poems that entertain children and can even be a bit silly. Poetry is fun for children to read as it often features rhyming and a joyful cadence. When children read poetry, they can practice fluency and work on phonics, too.

11. Be a reading example.

Children might not feel encouraged to read if they never see their parents read. Parents can schedule family reading time where everyone sits together quietly and reads a book. Families might even create their own book club; just make sure that book selections are at everyone’s reading level.

12. Teach text chunking.

Children who have difficulty with reading fluency and/or reading comprehension can benefit from chunking text. Parents can teach children to cover up a portion of the page and focus only on one paragraph or ‘chunk’ of the page. Make sure children understand this portion before encouraging them to move on.

13. Re-reading can help children with comprehension.

Sometimes the mind is filled with other thoughts and it can be difficult to focus while reading. It’s ok to go back and re-read a section or even a whole chapter. In fact, this technique can help children as they grow older; re-reading encourages mastery. Some readers might need to consistently go back and review.

14. Re-reading favorite stories can help with understanding, too.

Re-reading isn’t always just focused on reviewing a page or chapter that wasn’t understood. Some children—and adults—often find a favorite book and read it again and again. Reading a book several times can help children spot new ideas or even details that they might have missed. Plus, re-reading a favorite story can help children gain fluency and confidence. If a child is familiar with a story, encourage them to read it to parents.

15. Say yes to all reading materials.

Every type of printed medium can help a child to become a better reader. Newspapers, magazines, instruction manuals, comic strips, comic books, and graphic novels all encourage reading. If a child is reading a magazine, they are still reading. Don’t place a higher importance on one material over another; encourage children to read a variety of books and materials.

16. Let children read with their ears.

Children who struggle to sound out words and are behind in reading fluency might benefit from reading with their ears. Parents can utilize audiobooks to further their child’s reading enrichment. Children can follow along in the book while they also listen to the narration. Listening to a story can help children understand the emotions of characters and even learn new vocabulary.

17. Use worksheets to guide instruction.

There are several online sites that provide reading worksheets that parents can use at home to help their child with fluency and other skills. In addition, teachers might be able to provide additional enrichment worksheets that parents can use at home to help their child.

18. Make reading a habit.

Reading should be a regular habit for children. However, this doesn’t just mean that children should be formally reading a book, magazine or other materials. Parents should encourage reading in daily life; ask about a particular sign in a store, let children help with dinner by reading a recipe, or even give children the task of reading the grocery list at the store to help parents. Reading is a life skill that is needed everywhere.

19. Use visual prompts like a graphic organizer or a reading comprehension bookmark.

Visual prompts can help children remember what they need to think about as they read, or they can encourage children to further analyze what they read. Examples of visual prompts include a graphic organizer or a reading comprehension bookmark. Graphic organizers can be found online; these are worksheets that include blank spaces for children to write details about the book.

Graphic organizers can be focused on a different literary component—like theme, characters, plot, etc. A reading comprehension bookmark can include a list of prompts for children to think about while reading or they can include space for notes.

20. Use a reading app to help children with fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Parents might want to provide their child with a more formalized approach to help boost their reading proficiency. A reading app like Readability can provide children with guidance to help them with fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.

Readability includes a built-in AI tutor that is designed with voice-recognition software; this allows it to understand each child’s voice. Children read books aloud in the program, and the tutor listens for any concerns. When a child struggles, the tutor recognizes that the child is having difficulty and provides help.

The tutor also asks children questions about the book to test their comprehension. If a child chooses the wrong answer, the tutor will show the section of the story that provides clues to the answer. The tutor also will read the text aloud, and the child can have a second chance to answer the question. This helps show children that sometimes it’s necessary to re-read or look back to gain understanding.

Not every program is ideal for every child, but parents can sign up for a free seven-day trial of Readability to better understand the program and let the child become familiar with the program. Sign up for a free trial today to help a struggling reader gain confidence and proficiency.

How Does Reading Help Physical Development?

June 24, 2022

Parents know that reading helps children grow their vocabulary and their knowledge. Reading is the doorway to learning; as children grow, they learn to read and then read to learn. Every subject begins to depend on reading skills, and this is why and how children who read below grade level could struggle and fall farther behind.

Reading helps the brain, but it also can help with other aspects of physical development. In fact, reading can help children with:

Fine motor skills

Visualizing

Sensory perception

Increasing empathy

In addition, if parents play reading games like Sight Word Twister, reading also can help gross motor skills, too.

How Reading Helps Fine Motor Skills

When a child is reading a book, they turn the pages. Grabbing the thin or even thick page of a book is a fine motor skill. Preschoolers also read books where flaps must be lifted to view characters or other fun activities. This also helps work on fine motor skills.

When reading with children, ask them to turn the page.

Visualizing is a Powerful Skill

Our brains are capable of many things. While reading opens the door to new words and skills, it also unleashes the imagination. When a child hears a story or reads a book independently, they visualize the plot and the characters.

Books are fuel for the imagination, and they also can help children create miniature movies in their mind. Even recipes can conjure imagery; recipes often include directions like “stir the vanilla into the batter.”

Reading awakens the mind and helps children grow their imagination and visualize new worlds, ideas and friends, too.

Reading Can Impact Sensory Perception

Scholastic explains that reading also can “sharpen the senses.” How? When reading, children might come across descriptions that cause their brain to remember a familiar smell. Maybe a character is cutting the grass and the child remembers this familiar scent.

Again, words are powerful, and reading a book can awaken the senses. Descriptions of noises, scents and even textures can become a sensory journey.

Stories can Increase Empathy

Scholastic also points out that books and stories can help boost a child’s empathy. Reading a story about a mistreated character can suddenly evoke feelings of sadness and sorrow for the character. Children could also identify with a character’s storyline.

Books can teach children about the world, and they also can teach children how to identify the emotions of others.

How Parents Can Boost the Benefits of Reading

While books can impact children beyond the pages and the storyline, parents can use games and activities to boost the physical benefits of reading. Here are some ideas:

Play Reading Games

Games like Sight Word Twister or Sight Word Scavenger Hunts help kids move their body while also practicing reading skills (their sight words). To play Sight Word Twister, parents just need a standard Twister game mat (or they can make one). However, instead of using just colors for moves, parents can add the sight words.

When children land on a sight word, they can say it. Not only will children move in different formations, they also can practice their mandated list of sight words.

Sight Word Scavenger hunts can be played anywhere. Parents can give children a list of their sight words and encourage them to find the words at the story or on errands. Children might earn a prize when they find all the words.

Talk About Stories

To help children understand the feelings of characters and to gain insight as to how much the child understands about the story, parents should ask questions as they read. For younger readers, focus on the key w/h questions of comprehension: who, what, where, when, why and how.

Older children might need to be able to answer more intricate questions about the similarities or differences of characters. Parents also can ask older and younger children how they might handle a situation faced by a character.

Find Sensory Books

Younger children and toddlers can read books that include buttons or flaps that can infuse the story with sensory activities. For example, the child might lift a flap to find a hidden texture or a scent that goes along with the story.

Some stories or books include sound features. Children are prompted to press a button that plays sounds to help tell the story. A button might include the sound of a flushing toilet (for a potty book) or a character speaking.

Books that feature sensory activities can help children link the plot of the story with their different senses. These features let young readers hear, smell and feel the story.

Boost Imagination with Wordless Books

Children can often visualize the plot and appearance of the characters with the help of descriptions from the author. Some books, though, only include pictures but no words. These ‘wordless books’ require children to create their own story.

Wordless books can help children expand their storytelling skills and better understand the parts of a story, too. Children need to create a beginning, middle and an ending that wraps up all the action. This could be difficult for children at first, but wordless books could open up the mind to a whole different reading journey.

Enjoy Reading Activities that Encourage Exploration

Reading also can offer physical benefits when parents think outside the box. Take a reading field trip to a place featured in a book. These trips can encourage children to follow the paths of a favorite character and view the story from a different angle.

In addition, reading field trips can encourage children to get active and discover new ideas, too. For example, perhaps parents take a child to a history museum for a reading field trip. Talk about how the trip relates to the book, but parents also can encourage children to explore areas in the museum beyond the book.

Use reading and stories as a jumping off point for more growth and development.

Reading also Could Help Alleviate or Ease Fears

The fear of the unknown can be powerful. Everyone has a fear, and, sometimes, these fears can be difficult to overcome. Is a child afraid of visiting the dentist for the first time? Maybe they are concerned about visiting a new place, going to kindergarten or even flying on a plane.

Use books to help children overcome fears or find out more about what they fear. Many stories include popular characters (like Sesame Street friends) going to a doctor or doing other activities that might seem scary to a child.

Physical benefits of books can include helping to eliminate or ease anxiety or fears. However, books aren’t an instant cure for children; some children have anxiety or other issues that are best helped by a pediatrician or other medical professional.

Do Reading Apps Help with Physical Development?

A reading app like Readability also can help a child’s physical development. Readability is designed for children to read stories and books aloud; the program includes a built-in AI tutor that guides lessons and provides help when a child stumbles. The AI tutor includes voice-recognition software, and, when the child is reading aloud, the tutor is listening for any concerns.

Reading via a reading program can offer benefits for children just like standard books. Readability includes a library filled with fiction and non-fiction stories that ignite a child’s imagination and their senses, too.

Children can tap any word in a story to hear the definition or hear it used in a sentence. Readability also offers a Storytime feature that allows children to listen to their favorite Readability stories anytime or anywhere.

Parents who are interested in exploring the stories and features of Readability can try out the program. Sign up for a free seven-day trial today and start exploring.

How Can I Help My Child to Read Independently?

June 21, 2022

Parents might read to their toddler, preschooler and/or grade schooler every night. Storytime is a great bonding opportunity, and reading to children can help them learn new words, grow their vocabulary and begin an appreciation for books and stories. As children grow older, though, parents might want them to embrace silent and solo reading.

While children are never too old to read aloud storytime (teachers read aloud to students through older grades), reading independently helps children to practice their reading skills and enjoy a private reading journey. Parents might wonder: “how can I help my child to read independently?” Use these tips to encourage children to read solo and enjoy that journey:

Create an interest list

Let children to choose books

Gradually introduce solo reading time

Host a family silent reading hour

Start a family book club

Talk to teachers to discuss any potential reading issues

Why Doesn’t My Child Want to Read Solo?

Parents might be in the habit of sitting down with children before bed and reading them a variety of books. When parents suggest independent reading, children might become resistant. Why would a child not want to read silently or independently?

An estimated 10 million children struggle with reading, and it’s possible that a child just doesn’t feel comfortable reading books alone because they are having issues with reading. Other children might just like the quiet time alone with a parent or the special one-on-one time they receive during storytime.

In addition, having a parent read a story aloud can just be entertaining for children. Parents often create voices for characters and punctuate conversations in the story with emotion. When parents read a story aloud, children might be able to better understand emotions and actions.

Hearing a story is a pleasant experience for many who love to read, though. Even adults enjoy listening to a book during a long drive. Audiobooks can be a great option for flipping the radio dial and trying to find the perfect station during a long road trip.

Children might not struggle with reading independently, but maybe they simply don’t want to read by themselves or to themselves. Perhaps they just prefer storytime.

How to Help Encourage Children to Read Independently

Reading independently doesn’t have to mean the child can’t ever enjoy storytime with parents again. Solo silent reading is an important activity to help children practice and improve their reading fluency.

When children move from lower elementary grades to around third grade and beyond, they will begin to read chapter books. These longer books could be intimidating to a child, and it’s possible that children are simply feeling overwhelmed about trying to read a longer book alone.

Let Children Create an Interest List

The first step for parents who are trying to move their child towards a more independent reading journey is to encourage the child to create an interest list and a disinterest list, too. These lists help identify everything and anything that stokes the child’s curiosity and that maybe bores or frustrates them, too.

For interest lists, divide up a piece of paper into different categories. Parents can include the following prompts:

Sports

Historical Figures (or famous people)

Places

Events

Animals

Science and Nature

Under each heading, let children write down topics that they find interesting. Tell children that they can leave any prompt or subject blank. Not all children want to learn about sports, for example.

For the interest list, include a space for children to specify the length of books they want to read; for example, opt for a heading for page length or chapter length. This can help parents understand the size of books that children feel comfortable reading. It’s ok if they prefer shorter stories. Parents can gradually help children move onto reading longer books. Reading is, after all, a journey.

On another piece of paper, create a disinterest list. This list can focus on topics and subjects that children find boring and that don’t interest them. Creating a disinterest list can help children understand that they get to control their reading choices. This list can be beneficial for parents who might want to buy books for their child; they can reference the list to avoid topics of disinterest.

Let Children Choose Their Books

Let children take their interest list to the local public library to find books that focus on topics on the list. Using the list as a reference can help children zero in on certain books and subjects, and the trip to the library can be a bit more focused.

However, it’s ok if children choose a book related to a topic that is not on the list at all. The library is full of book choices; give children the power to pick their own books (just make sure the book is on their reading level). Children also could choose alternative reading materials like magazines, graphic novels or comic books; these materials could be less intimidating to read independently.

Gradually Introduce Solo Reading Time

When children have selected their books, the new reading journey can begin. However, children who love reading with parents might not be fully ready to dive into those pages alone.

Parents who are trying to encourage their child to read solo can gradually introduce solo reading time. If the book has chapters, parents can read the first chapter aloud. Then they can prompt the child to read the next chapter independently.

Younger children might have one small book read aloud to them. Parents can encourage the child to read a book aloud to parents and read another book independently.

Another method for slowly integrating solo reading time is to focus on reading minutes. The first day, parents can ask the child to read solo for five minutes (or 10). A few days later, they can bump this time to 15 minutes. The goal is to reach the nightly recommended reading minutes; this recommendation can vary per grade and per district, too.

Host a Family Silent Reading Hour

Children might be more receptive to reading solo if the rest of the family reads independently, too. Make reading a family activity and schedule a family independent reading time. Children learn by example.

Each night, parents can gather the family for a half-hour of silent reading. Everyone should be expected to bring a book of their choice. During the reading time, devices should be muted and placed on a table. There should be no talking or playing.

Children will see that everyone is reading quietly and this is the designated time for this independent activity. However, for children who resist reading solo, parents might ease them into the family routine.

Start a Family Book Club

Another tip to help children embrace independent reading is to create a family book club. Everyone in the family can read the same book. However, a book club is a more appropriate choice for older elementary students who are easing into chapter books.

All family members should read a book that is at the reading level of the youngest child in the family or a book that correlates to the lowest reading level within the family. Help older siblings understand that this club is designed to help their siblings with reading fluency and independent reading.

Talk to Teachers About Any Reading Concerns

Some children might hesitate to read because reading is a struggle. If parents suspect their child is reading below grade level or is avoiding independent reading because of literacy struggles, they should reach out to their child’s teacher for guidance.

Teachers can help parents understand their child’s reading level and perhaps provide parents with recommendations on how to best help their child with reading at home. Children might need additional enrichment related to phonics skills or reading comprehension.

Readability Also Can Encourage Independent Reading for Struggling Readers

If parents learn their child is struggling with reading and is reading below grade-level expectations, they can use a reading app at home to help their child with fluency and comprehension. Readability is designed to provide reading help for children in preschool through fifth grade.

Children read books aloud when using Readability. The program includes a built-in AI tutor that guides instruction and recognizes each child’s voice. When a child cannot pronounce a word or seems to struggle, the app understands that the child is struggling and can provide help.

At the end of each story, the AI tutor also asks questions to determine if the child comprehends what they read. If a child answers a question incorrectly, the tutor will show a section of the book that provides clues to the answer. The tutor also reads this section aloud, and the child is given another chance to answer the question.

For children who love to have stories read to them, Readability also includes a Storytime feature. With Storytime, children can listen to their favorite Readability stories anywhere. This feature is great for parents to use on trips or long car rides.

Storytime adds another learning component to the Readability program. While children can listen to stories, they are still required to read books aloud when using the program. Storytime can help children transition from hearing stories to reading solo.

Parents who are interested in using Readability can sign up for a free seven-day trial. With a trial, children can use all the features of the program and even become acquainted with their AI tutor. Try Readability today to encourage children to read independently and gain fluency and confidence, too.

The Essential Tools Parents Need for Helping Kids Read

June 17, 2022

Literacy is important to success in high school and beyond. Statistics show that children who are reading below grade level in third grade are four times more likely to dropout of high school. Unfortunately, many children start school without the proper preparation to learn to read. More than one in three children begins kindergarten without the necessary skills for reading.

Preparing children for their literacy journey is fundamental to helping them succeed. Reading is important for learning, but it’s necessary for life, too. Helping kids read isn’t difficult and it can even be fun. Here are the essential tools parents need for helping kids read and preparing them for kindergarten and their later reading adventures.

Age-appropriate reading materials

Paper & writing tools

Everyday objects for a letter of the alphabet

A library card

Imagination

Patience

Essential Tools for All Income Levels

Times are tough for many parents. Rising inflation has caused the price of everyday necessities to soar, and the price at the pump also is crimping the budget of many households. Helping kids read doesn’t have to be an investment. Instead, many tools can be found around the house. A little creativity, imagination and a healthy dose of patience is a major requirement, though.

Parents should try to give themselves grace and do what they can do. There are many objects and items around the house that can be used to help children prepare for their reading journey.

Age-Appropriate Reading Materials

Some families have many books for their children, but many households simply don’t have many reading materials for children to use to learn to read. However, books aren’t the only material or medium that children can use to learn letters and words.

Parents can use other age-appropriate materials. Comic books, greeting cards, thank you notes, magazines, and newspapers all can be used to help children sound out words or just learn letters.

For preschoolers, finding items that help them learn their alphabet and the sounds of each letter can be helpful. Greeting cards offer very little text, but many are specifically written for children.

Newspapers might not seem ideal for children, but parents can use sections that are kid-friendly (like the entertainment section or the comics). In fact, the comics section of the daily newspaper can be fun for younger readers to use to practice their reading. Some newspapers are distributed free of charge.

Many neighborhoods offer free little libraries. These are small boxes (that look almost like a mailbox) that are filled with books. Neighbors can borrow books from these libraries and return them when they are finished with the book. Little libraries often have books for children.

Paper & Writing Tools

To prepare preschoolers for their kindergarten reading journey, parents can work on letter identification and sounds. To practice the alphabet, parents can create flashcards using any paper around the house. Even lined notebook paper works.

Flash cards don’t have to be fancy or intricate. They don’t need to be created from card stock. Just write each letter of the alphabet on a sheet of paper, shuffle them up and work with children everyday to master their letters. Be sure to teach them the alphabet in order, too.

Parents also can use notebook paper to make a match game to help with letter identification. Cards can be made from any paper; make two cards for each letter of the alphabet (both the uppercase and lowercase). Shuffle the cards, place them face down in any arrangement. Take turns flipping cards to make matches. Be sure to encourage children to say each letter when they flip the card.

Everyday Objects Help with Reading, Too

There are so many items in the home that parents can use to help children learn to read. For example, canned goods include the name of vegetables or fruit. Use these to teach children easy words like ‘beans,’ ‘corn,’ ‘carrots,’ etc.

Think about other objects around the house that can be used to help children correlate letters to objects. E for egg. B for banana. A for apple.

Even store receipts or advertisements typically include easy text. Older children can read store receipts, recipes while helping parents cook or grocery lists.

Let Children Have a Library Card

Some families live close to the public library. Others, though, might not be so close. For those who are able to visit their library, use this free public resource to help children find reading materials.

Let children have their own library card; this can be a really exciting privilege for them. Typically, public libraries offer a children section. Let children explore this area and look at the different books. While parents might want to choose the books for their child, let children have the power to choose.

Libraries offer a free story time for certain ages. This is a great way for preschoolers to meet other children their age and listen to new stories, too. In addition, some libraries also include crafts or other activities at story time events.

Parents who don’t have easy access to a public library also could find inexpensive books at local thrift stores or at garage sales.

Embrace Imagination

Helping kids read doesn’t just have to include books and written materials. Parents can encourage children to draw pictures and create wordless books.

These books include a title and pages of pictures; children have to make up the story to narrate the pictures on the pages. This requires naming the characters, creating a plot and deciding on an appropriate way to end the story, too.

While wordless books don’t teach children to read in a traditional sense, they can help children understand how stories are arranged. They are also a great way to foster a child’s creativity and imagination. Wordless books can change each time they are read.

Puppet shows are another way to teach children about creating a story with a beginning, middle and an end. Again, this isn’t a traditional way to learn to read, but it does help children understand story creation and design.

Be Patient on the Journey

Teaching a child to read or helping a child who struggles with reading can be difficult for parents at times. Some children might catch on to sounds and letters quickly, but others might need to review over and over again.

One of the best tools parents can have while preparing children to learn to read is to just be patient. Don’t push children beyond their ability. If parents are losing their cool, it’s ok to stop the lesson. Try again later or push off reading lessons for another day.

Sometimes children don’t feel well, maybe they are overly tired or perhaps parents had a long day. Know everyone’s limits. Reading should be fun, and if the lessons or exercises become too rigid or stressful, children might shut down.

Parents also shouldn’t expect preschoolers to catch on immediately. Yes, they could master letters and sounds quickly. Not all kids have an easy time with phonics, though. Break instruction into short lessons. Mix in games or activities, as children can learn through play.

Bonus: Work on these Skills, Too

Parents can move past the basics of letter identification or sounds when children demonstrate mastery. One of the expectations for kindergarten is that children will need to learn a list of sight words; typically, these lists will be a requirement for several years in early elementary school.

Children who are easily mastering sounds, letters and other early reading skills can move onto memorizing a list of kindergarten sight words. Use the Dolch list as a reference; in fact, GreatSchools offers a list of kindergarten sight words.

Use the site’s list to create flashcards to help children identify and master the words. Parents also can create a sight word match game. Just make two cards of each word, mix up the cards and place them face down. Then take turns choosing two cards to make matches; encourage children to say the word when they flip the card.

Take children on a sight word scavenger hunt, too. Use the kindergarten list as a reference. Have children mark off sight words they find on errands at the store or anywhere. Children will have fun hunting for these words with parents.

The Easiest Tool: Read Every Single Day

The best way to prepare young children to read is to create a reading habit. Preschoolers will begin to learn the basic skills for reading, but parents can read stories to them each night. Talk to children about the books as parents read aloud.

Ask questions related to the w/h questions (who, what, where, when, why and how). Ask children about characters and if they liked the story. See if children can guess what will happen next.

Try to expose children to a variety of books or reading materials. Parents, though, might lack access to age-appropriate books. Try to use what’s available. Read age-appropriate stories from newspapers or magazines. Create wordless books.

Not all families have the option to visit the library. Not all parents have a bookshelf filled with books for their child. Parents can only do the best they can do; use the materials that are available. Use paper from around the house to create flashcards or other enrichment tools. Even canned goods can be a source of reading practice.

Reading can come easily to some children, but, for others, reading can be a challenge. Understand that patience can be the most important ingredient to helping children. Teaching children can feel overwhelming, and if parents feel stressed, it’s ok to take a break or even review another day.

2022 Summer Reading Lists For Kids of All Ages

June 15, 2022

When children leave school for the last time to welcome the beginning of summer vacation, many are encouraged to join a summer reading club at the library. Some schools also send home a list of books to further facilitate reading during the long break.

The summer slide is real, and children who don’t continue to read during the summer could lose literacy skills and start the next year trying to make up the learning gap. Parents might perceive school-issued summer reading lists as another battle with their child, but Readability’s 2022 summer reading lists for kids of all ages include ideas on how to make reading fun.

Here’s how to encourage a summer filled with books, stories and new reading adventures. We’re breaking down reading activities, tips and games for all grade levels.

2022 Summer Reading List for Preschool and Kindergarten

Children who are about to enter preschool or kindergarten might be working on the core fundamentals of letters, sounds and early reading skills. Parents should try to read to children everyday to help them increase their vocabulary and prepare for learning to read. Or, if you don’t have time, you can have them use Readability’s storytime feature to have the AI Tutor read stories to young children.

While reading regularly is the best way to help young children build early literacy skills, parents also can help younger emerging readers master their letters and sounds with these activities and games:

Use sidewalk chalk to help children learn to write the alphabet. Parents can purchase a bundle of colorful sidewalk chalk to help children practice their letters. Sidewalk chalk is typically chunky, and this makes it easier for smaller hands to grasp and hold. Show them how to write a few letters at a time. Just make sure not to chalk anywhere that it’s prohibited (some parks don’t allow chalking).
Turn a kiddie pool into alphabet soup. Parents can find sponge or floating letters that can be used as part of water play in small pools. Turn that portable kiddie pool into a fun alphabet soup. Sit in the pool with children and make words out of the floating letters; if children are struggling to identify letters, use this activity to help them learn. Don’t forget the sunscreen, and make sure children are always supervised near water.
Visit story time events at bookstores or the library. Many public libraries offer free story time events for children. This is a great indoor summer activity during hot days that lets children listen to stories and socialize, too. Visit the library’s website to find out about children’s activities and story time events. Some events might offer crafts or other fun games and activities.

Listening to stories helps children to appreciate books, and library events also can help them get acquainted with their local library.

Sign a child up for a library card. Even if the local library doesn’t offer a story time event, parents can take children to the library to sign up for their first library card. Then let children explore the children’s section and find a few books that they want to read.
Take story time outdoors. Pitch a tent outdoors and create a fun reading environment for children. Parents can grab a flashlight and read to children outside and maybe camp in the backyard, too.
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a book. Help younger children understand the importance of Independence Day by reading books about the Founding Fathers.

2022 Summer Reading List for First and Second Graders

Children who have finished or who are entering first or second grade are still navigating their literacy journey; they are learning to read but will soon begin to read to learn. Some second graders might be delving into short chapter books, but other children in first and second grade might just be reading smaller books.

During summer, parents can focus on fun enrichment activities and games that help children practice important literacy skills like fluency and comprehension; in addition, parents also can help children work on mastering common sight words.

Take children on a new book hunt in thrift stores or used book sales hosted by libraries. Thrift stores often have low-cost books (sometimes less than $1) for families on a budget. Give children a spending limit and let them choose a few books for the summer that interest them.
Create a summer journal. Writing can help children focus on sentence structure, spelling and how to put their thoughts into words. Encourage children to start a journal over the summer. Parents can purchase a spiral notebook and let children decorate it.
Set summer reading goals. Some local libraries offer a summer reading program, but parents can start a family book club, too. At the beginning of the summer, help children set reading goals. Parents can create a reading passport, and when children read so many pages (or minutes), they might earn a prize. Parents can create their book club format in a way that works best for their children.
Listen to audiobooks during family road trips. First and second graders probably still love story time. During long car trips, listen to a book on tape. Children can vote on the book they want to hear on the trip. See how many books the family can finish this summer.
Play sight word games to practice these must-know words. During hot or rainy summer days, create card games to help children practice their sight words (work with the Dolch list). Parents can use standard index cards to create match games from sight words (make two of each card) or opt for Go Fish (make four cards for each sight word). These games are a fun way for children to learn and master their sight words. They might even get ahead for next year.

2022 Summer Reading Challenges for Third, Fourth and Fifth Graders

Children entering the upper grades of elementary school are reading to learn. In third grade, reading skills are still sharpened but are more focused on reading for learning. Many third graders will read short chapter books. By fourth and fifth grade, comprehension might focus on more complex skills beyond the standard w/h questions (who, what, where, when, why and how).

For older elementary-aged children, parents still need to make reading fun. However, reading for older children is often an independent journey. Some children might feel that they’ve outgrown listening to their parents read to them. However, every child is different and some might still love to hear a story read aloud.

Encourage children to research books they want to read and have them create a summer reading list. Children can set their own book goals that they wish to accomplish this summer. For example, maybe they want to read two books in a series. Start the summer by having them write a list of their ‘must read’ books. Then go to the library and check out a few.
Host a family ‘book and a movie’ monthly event. Everyone in the family can read the same book (choose a book that is appropriate for everyone) and then watch the movie adaptation. Talk about how the book differed from the movie. Parents might decide just to read the book aloud; this is a great way to make sure everyone is on the ‘same page.’ Plus, everyone in the family won’t have to hunt down a copy of the book. Check out this list of children’s books that have been adapted into movies.
Have children write an ‘I Wonder’ list and then let children find the answers through books. An ‘I wonder…’ list focuses on the curious questions that each child might have about the world. Have children write down a list of five things that they wish to learn or know. Visit the library to find age-appropriate books that help them answer their questions.
Create a summer journal. A summer journal is a great activity for younger and older children. Writing about summer experiences, vacations and daily life helps children practice their writing skills, sharpen their spelling and also document lasting memories.
Participate in ‘read to an animal’ opportunities at local shelters. Some animal shelters offer programs where children can read to the animals. The purpose is to encourage reading. This can help children and the animals, too.

Use a Reading Program to Help Prevent the Summer Slide

Children of all ages can use Readability this summer to help ensure they don’t fall down the summer slide and start the next school year behind in their reading skills. Readability is designed for children in preschool through fifth grade.

Parents can set their child’s reading level on Readability or the program can help determine the best reading level. Children read stories aloud when they use the program; Readability also includes a built-in AI tutor that is programmed with voice-recognition software. The tutor learns each child’s voice; if a child struggles with a word, the tutor will provide help.

At the end of every book, the tutor also will ask questions to test a child’s understanding of the story. If a child answers a question incorrectly, the tutor will show the section of the story that provides clues about the answer and also will read this portion of the book aloud. Then the child will have another opportunity to answer the question.

Readability also encourages exploration throughout the reading journey. Children can tap any word in a book to hear the definition or hear it used in a sentence. Every book also has its own list of vocabulary words.

With Readability, parents can follow their child’s reading progress. The program offers parents a private portal that displays all their child’s reading data, including their reading level, comprehension, reading fluency (measured in words read per minute) and how long the child used the program.

This summer, keep children from falling down the summer slide by using Readability to ensure their reading fluency grows and their confidence soars. Sign up for a free seven-day trial today.

What is the Best App for Struggling Readers?

June 14, 2022

Children in elementary school could struggle with reading for a number of reasons. Phonics/phonetics might impede a child’s ability to decode words and read fluently. Other children can struggle with understanding the story; they may have trouble retelling or identifying the answers to basic comprehension questions.

Children who struggle to read could avoid reading. However, some children begin to perceive reading as homework, avoid it and then perhaps fall behind. When a child isn’t reading at grade-level, parents can use a reading app to help them at home. What is the best app for struggling readers? Look for these features to uncover the best app:

Read-aloud lesson format

Comprehension tools and assessments

Leveled books

Immersive and interactive components

Engaging content

Vocabulary enrichment

Audiobook options

How are Apps Priced?

Parents might be used to searching for apps via the App Store or Google Play. Many of these apps are low-priced or even free. With free apps, though, parents might contend with the issue of in-app purchases; unless this option is disabled, children might be able to purchase items in an app or game that is charged to a parent’s account.

Reading apps that are designed to provide guided instruction or children are often free to download but they also require a subscription to access. How does this work? Parents download the app, but an account is required to begin the instructional components of the program.

Reading apps are all priced differently, and may have different tiers of subscription choices, too. Readability offers one monthly subscription and is priced at $19.99. However, parents can use one Readability subscription for up to three users.

As instructional apps are a monthly financial commitment, many offer free trial periods that allow parents to explore them. Readability lets parents sign-up for a free seven-day trial that allows access to all the components of the program.

What Features are Important for a Reading Program or App?

App-based reading apps are designed differently. Not every program is an ideal fit for every child, but there are specific features on which parents might focus to ensure that the program can help their child and keep them engaged in lessons.

Read-Aloud Lessons

Older children might read silently. However, reading apps that are designed to help struggling readers might focus on a read-aloud format. Why is this format beneficial?

Reading aloud helps children hear the story and also hear themselves as they read the story. With Readability, reading aloud also is important as the program includes a built-in AI tutor that’s programmed with voice recognition software.

The AI tutor learns each child’s voice. When a child reads stories aloud with Readability, the tutor can identify if the child needs help. For example, a child might struggle to decode a word or they might mispronounce a word. The tutor picks up the error or struggle and provides help.

Children don’t work alone when using Readability. Every child has their own built-in reading tutor for guided instruction.

Comprehension Tools and Assessments

Not all children struggle with comprehension. Those who do struggle with this aspect of literacy, though, need tools that help them better understand the story. Readability includes assessments at the end of each story that gauges the child’s understanding of what they read.

When a child finishes a story or book in Readability, the AI tutor asks them a series of questions about the book. If a child answers the question incorrectly, the tutor will show them the section of the story that provides clues to correctly answer the question. The tutor also reads the portion of the book aloud.

This is how Readability helps children learn to go back and re-read sections to help improve their understanding. Re-reading can be a valuable learning skill for children who struggle with comprehension, and Readability helps reinforce this learning habit.

Leveled Books

Reading programs need to be correctly leveled for each child. If lessons are too difficult, children will become frustrated and tune out.

Readability lets parents set the reading level for their child so that the program begins at the correct starting point for each reader. However, if a parent doesn’t know their child’s reading level, the program can determine the best reading level.

Readability ensures that books are perfectly leveled to help children gain confidence and advance to more difficult levels as they demonstrate proficiency.

Immersive and Interactive Components

Younger readers might lose interest if lessons are simply devoted to just reading stories aloud. Readability encourages children to explore the books they are enjoying.

Every book in a child’s leveled library includes immersive and colorful illustrations. These pictures help break up the text and help children identify the action of the story.

Children also can explore words in every book. They can tap any word to hear the word’s definition or hear it used in a sentence. Every discovered word is added to a child’s individual word bank; they can revisit all their vocabulary words and hear them again and again to gain fluency and understanding.

Engaging Content

Older elementary students don’t want to read books written for first graders. Older children who struggle to read might find their book choices limited; the books their friends enjoy might be too difficult for them. Yet, lower-grade books are just too young for their interests.

Readability includes high/low books for older readers; these books are written for a child’s interests and grade-level while also being appropriate for their reading level. High refers to high-interest and low refers to a lower reading level.

Children can enjoy reading about favorite sports stars or stories featuring fun new fictional characters. Readability features many award-winning authors. Many books in Readability also are included in Accelerated Reader (AR); children can take AR quizzes at school on books they read while using Readability.

Vocabulary Enrichment

Children can tap any word in a book to hear the definition or listen to the word used in a sentence. However, Readability also includes a vocabulary list for every book in a child’s leveled library.

Readability helps children expand their vocabulary knowledge and explore new words, too. Vocabulary skills and mastery are integral in the reading journey. Understanding the meaning of words helps children better understand the meaning of a sentence, a paragraph and the story as a whole.

Children can access all their vocabulary words to review them again and again to gain mastery.

Audiobook Options

Some children learn best through hearing and are auditory learners. One of the best features that parents can look for in a reading app for auditory learners is the option for audiobook content.

Not only do these narrated stories help auditory learners, but they also provide children a chance to enjoy a storytime experience anywhere. Readability includes the Storytime feature; children can listen to their favorite books and follow along, too.

Storytime can be accessed anywhere. Children can listen to stories at a sibling’s sports practice, in the car or just at home. Parents don’t have to pay for these audiobooks; they are included for free with every Readability subscription.

Choosing the best reading app for a child isn’t always easy. However, parents who are interested in using an app that offers all the key features for reading success can sign up for a free seven-day Readability trial period. Children can meet the AI reading tutor that will help guide their reading journey and explore new books and stories, too.