phonics for parents Archives

What to Do When Reading Skills Regress

phonicsorg on April 7, 2025

Has your child suddenly started struggling with words they used to read with ease? Are they showing less interest in books they once loved? You might be witnessing what educators call “reading regression” – a temporary backward slide in reading abilities that, while concerning, is more common than you might think.

As parents, watching our children struggle with previously mastered skills can be disheartening. The good news? With the right approach and understanding, this setback is almost always temporary and manageable.

Why Reading Skills Sometimes Backslide: Common Causes of Reading Regression

Reading development rarely follows a perfectly straight line upward. This temporary backslide can happen for numerous reasons, many of which have simple explanations and solutions.

The most visible form of reading regression happens during school breaks, especially summer vacation. This phenomenon, often called the “summer slide,” affects children across all socioeconomic backgrounds, though it can be more pronounced in families with limited access to books and literacy resources.

But reading regression isn’t limited to summer breaks. Consider these other common triggers:

Major life changes: Moving homes, changing schools, welcoming a new sibling, or experiencing family restructuring can temporarily affect reading performance as children adjust emotionally.
Health factors: Vision changes, undiagnosed hearing issues, or general illness can impact a child’s ability to engage with reading material. Even something as simple as seasonal allergies can affect focus and performance.
Curriculum transitions: Sometimes, as reading instruction advances from simple decodable texts to more complex books, children who haven’t fully mastered phonics skills may suddenly appear to regress when facing more challenging material.
Developmental leaps: Children’s brains sometimes prioritize development in one area (like physical or social skills) while temporarily plateauing in others. This natural developmental pattern can make it seem like reading skills are retreating when they’re actually just on pause.
Emotional factors: Anxiety, stress, or shifting friendship dynamics can temporarily divert mental energy away from reading tasks.

Identify True Reading Regression: What to Look For

Before rushing to conclusions, it’s important to distinguish between temporary fluctuations in reading interest and actual skill regression. Here are specific signs that might indicate a genuine backslide in reading abilities:

Decreased accuracy: Your child is misreading words they previously mastered, especially simple decodable words with consistent phonics patterns.

Reduced fluency: Reading has become noticeably more labored, with more frequent pauses, repetitions, or word-by-word reading instead of smooth phrases.

Avoidance behaviors: Your child actively resists reading activities they previously enjoyed, making excuses or showing frustration when asked to read.

Comprehension gaps: Your child struggles to recall or understand stories they read, even when the content isn’t particularly challenging.

Reverting to guessing: Instead of sounding out unfamiliar words using phonics strategies, your child has returned to guessing based on pictures or the first letter.

Expressed self-doubt: Comments like “I can’t read” or “I’m not good at reading” from a child who previously showed confidence.

Remember that occasional off days are normal for all readers, regardless of age. The key is to look for patterns that persist for more than a week or two. Keeping a simple reading journal can help you track observations objectively and identify whether there’s a consistent pattern worth addressing.

The Most Effective Response: Stay Calm and Structure Support

If you’ve identified a genuine pattern of reading regression, your response can make all the difference in how quickly your child rebounds. The first and most important step? Take a deep breath and maintain a positive attitude. Children are incredibly perceptive to parental anxiety, and your calm confidence sets the emotional tone for overcoming this challenge.

When addressing reading regression, focus on these evidence-based approaches:

1. Return to phonics fundamentals

Start by reviewing these essential building blocks:

Letter-sound correspondence (what sounds each letter makes)
Blending sounds to form words
Segmenting words into individual sounds
Recognizing common spelling patterns

Spending 10-15 minutes daily on targeted phonics activities for children experiencing reading regression can yield impressive results. This consistent, focused practice works better than longer, sporadic sessions.

2. Create a consistent, supportive reading routine

Establishing a predictable reading routine sends a powerful message that reading remains a valued, non-negotiable part of daily life, even when challenges arise. Consider implementing:

A dedicated reading time each day in a comfortable, distraction-free environment
A mix of independent reading, shared reading, and being read to
Regular opportunities to revisit favorite books where success is guaranteed
Gradual introduction of new reading material at an appropriate level

Practical Phonics Activities to Rebuild Confidence and Skills

Here are specific activities you can implement immediately:

Sound Swapping Games

How to play: Start with a simple word like “cat.”

Ask your child to change just one sound to make a new word: “What word would we have if we changed the /c/ in cat to /b/?” (bat).

Continue with variations: “Now change the /a/ in bat to /i/.” (bit)

This game helps children focus on individual sounds within words, strengthening their ability to decode unfamiliar words when reading.

Decodable Text Reading

Decodable texts are specially written stories that emphasize specific phonics patterns, allowing children to practice decoding in context. When regression occurs, returning to decodable texts provides successful reading experiences while reinforcing phonics skills.

Look for decodable books that:

Focus on one or two phonics patterns at a time
Include a high percentage of words that can be sounded out
Gradually introduce more complex patterns

Resources like Phonics.org’s Articles offer guidance on finding quality decodable texts specifically designed to support young readers.

Word Building with Magnetic Letters

Physical manipulation of letters reinforces the connection between sounds and symbols while engaging multiple senses.

How to use: Provide magnetic letters (or letter cards) and guide your child in building simple words one sound at a time.

For example, to build “stop,” have your child select and place each letter while saying its sound: /s/ /t/ /o/ /p/.

Then blend the sounds together to read the completed word.

The Emotional Side of Reading Regression: Supporting Your Child’s Confidence

While skill-building is essential, addressing the emotional impact of reading regression is equally important. Children often internalize reading struggles as personal failures, which can create a negative cycle where anxiety further impairs performance.

To foster resilience around reading:

Normalize struggles: Share age-appropriate stories about times you faced learning challenges and how you overcame them. This helps children understand that temporary setbacks are a normal part of learning.

Celebrate effort: Praise specific efforts (“You worked hard sounding out those tricky words!”) rather than innate ability (“You’re so smart!”).

Provide specific feedback: Instead of generic praise, offer concrete observations about improvements: “I noticed you caught yourself and reread that sentence when it didn’t make sense. That’s what good readers do!”

Model reading strategies: When you read aloud, occasionally “think aloud” about strategies you’re using: “Hmm, I don’t know this word. Let me break it into parts and sound it out.”

Remember that your relationship with your child is the foundation for all learning. Maintaining a positive, supportive atmosphere around reading—even during periods of regression—preserves this crucial foundation and creates the emotional safety necessary for skills to rebound.

When to Seek Additional Support

While most cases of reading regression resolve with consistent home support and time, some situations warrant professional guidance. Consider consulting with your child’s teacher or a reading specialist if:

Regression persists for more than two months despite consistent practice
Your child shows extreme emotional distress around reading
Regression is accompanied by other learning or developmental concerns
Your child’s reading level is significantly below grade-level expectations

Early intervention makes a tremendous difference in reading outcomes. For additional strategies on supporting your child through reading challenges, explore Reading.com, an award-winning app and trusted resource for literacy development.

Turn Reading Setbacks into Future Success

Reading regression, while concerning in the moment, often becomes a valuable learning opportunity when handled with patience and appropriate support. Many educators even note that children who work through a period of regression often develop stronger awareness of their own thinking and learning processes—which benefits them throughout their educational journey.

For more resources on supporting your child’s reading development, including phonics activities, decodable texts, and expert guidance, visit Phonics.org regularly. Our research-based approaches provide the tools you need to help your child not just recover from reading regression, but emerge as a more confident, skilled reader than ever before.

Building Reading Fluency at Home

phonicsorg on March 31, 2025

Remember that heart-warming moment when your child first recognized their name in print? The excitement in their eyes was undeniable! Now, as they’re sounding out c-a-t and d-o-g, you might be wondering what comes next. There’s actually another magical milestone on the horizon: the day your child transitions from laboriously sounding out each word to reading smoothly and expressively. This transformation is reading fluency in action, and it’s one of the most rewarding phases of your child’s reading journey.

What Reading Fluency Really Means (and Why It Matters)

Reading fluency is simply the ability to read text accurately, at a comfortable pace, and with proper expression – almost like speaking. When children become fluent readers, they’re no longer focusing all their mental energy on figuring out individual words. Instead, they have brain power left over to understand and enjoy the story.

Why does fluency matter so much? Fluent readers are better able to understand what they read because they’re not getting stuck on individual words. It’s like the difference between driving a car while still learning the controls versus driving when it feels natural – in the second scenario, you can actually enjoy the scenery!

Signs your child is developing fluency include:

Reading in phrases rather than word-by-word
Using appropriate expression that matches the text
Recognizing common words automatically without sounding them out
Paying attention to punctuation (pausing at periods, raising voice for questions)
Reading at a conversational pace, not too fast or too slow

From Phonics Champion to Fluency Superstar

Have you ever watched your child carefully sound out p-i-g, only to immediately recognize the same word on the next page? That’s the bridge between phonics and fluency being built right before your eyes!

Phonics gives children the tools to crack the reading code – understanding that letters represent specific sounds. It’s like learning individual dance steps before putting them together into a flowing routine. Your child needs to master these basics before they can “dance” through text with fluency.

Explicit phonics instruction creates a solid foundation that makes fluency possible. When children receive systematic instruction in letter-sound relationships, they build the neural pathways that eventually allow for automatic word recognition. This automaticity is crucial – it’s what allows readers to move from “figuring out” to “flowing through” text.

Here’s how this progression typically unfolds:

First, children learn to decode unfamiliar words by applying phonics rules. This process is slow and deliberate – you can almost see the wheels turning as they work through each sound.

With repeated exposure to the same words, their brains begin to store these words as whole units rather than collections of individual sounds. This is called “orthographic mapping,” and it’s like creating a mental photo album of words they recognize instantly.

Eventually, they build up enough of these sight words and patterns that reading becomes more automatic, freeing up mental space to focus on meaning and expression.

Fun Ways to Build Fluency at Home

Building fluency doesn’t have to feel like work! Some of the most effective fluency-building activities are actually the most enjoyable for both parents and children.

Echo Reading: The Playful Parrot

Take turns being the “leader” who reads a sentence with expression while the other person echoes it back with the same phrasing and emotion. Kids love mimicking your dramatic reading voice, and this playful imitation actually teaches proper pacing and expression.

Reader’s Theater: Living Room Edition

Transform favorite stories into simple plays where family members take on different characters. When children read dialogue with expression, they’re practicing a key component of fluency while having a blast. No costumes are required (but they certainly add to the fun)!

The Three-Times-Charm Method

Select a short, interesting passage and have your child read it three times. The first reading is for accuracy, the second for speed, and the third for expression. Many children naturally enjoy seeing their improvement across readings.

Recording Studio

Most kids love hearing their own voice! Use a smartphone to record your child reading, then play it back so they can hear their own fluency developing. Make it extra special by creating “radio shows” or “podcasts” they can share with relatives.

Buddy Reading

Take turns reading pages or paragraphs of a book. When it’s your turn, model fluent reading at a comfortable pace. When it’s their turn, be a supportive listener. This takes the pressure off having to read an entire book and provides a built-in fluent reading model.

Song Lyrics as Reading Material

Music naturally encourages rhythmic, expressive reading. Print out lyrics to favorite age-appropriate songs and read them together before singing along. The familiar rhythm helps children group words into meaningful phrases rather than reading word-by-word.

The key to all these activities is keeping them lighthearted and pressure-free.

When to Celebrate and When to Support

Every child’s journey to fluency has its own timeline, with exciting breakthroughs and occasional plateaus along the way. Knowing when to cheer and when to provide extra support makes all the difference in keeping your young reader motivated.

Celebrate These Milestones:

Self-correction: When your child notices and fixes their own reading errors, it’s a huge win! This shows they’re monitoring their own comprehension – a sophisticated reading skill.

Expression emergence: The first time your child reads a question with a rising tone or adds emphasis to show excitement in a story deserves a high-five. This indicates they’re reading for meaning, not just decoding words.

Re-reading for enjoyment: When your child asks to read a favorite book again “by myself,” they’re seeking fluency practice naturally. This repetition builds confidence and automaticity.

Genre jumping: As fluency develops, many children become more willing to try different types of books. This expanding interest shows growing reading confidence.

When to Offer Extra Support:

Word-by-word reading persists: If your child continues to read one word at a time with long pauses between words after several months of reading practice, they might benefit from more focused fluency activities.

Fluency varies widely by text: It’s normal for fluency to decrease with challenging text, but if your child reads some grade-level texts fluently but struggles dramatically with others of similar difficulty, consider investigating further.

Resistance to reading aloud: While some hesitation is normal, consistent reluctance might indicate fluency concerns.

In these situations, be encouraging rather than concerned. Simple adjustments like choosing slightly easier texts, increasing read-aloud time together, or trying some of the fun techniques mentioned earlier can make a significant difference.

Remember: fluency development isn’t linear. Children often show spurts of progress, followed by consolidation periods. During these plateaus, they’re often strengthening other reading skills like vocabulary or comprehension, even if their reading speed doesn’t seem to be improving.

Tech Tools and Resources That Actually Help

Technology can be a wonderful supplement to traditional reading practice—when chosen thoughtfully. Here are some parent-approved digital resources that genuinely support fluency development:

Apps That Build Fluency Skills

Reading.com – This comprehensive literacy platform combines systematic phonics instruction with engaging fluency activities. Their interactive stories and guided practice help children transition smoothly from decoding to fluent reading.

Epic! – This digital library offers thousands of books, many with read-along options that model fluent reading. The “read to me” feature allows children to hear fluent reading before attempting a text themselves.

Starfall – With its focus on phonics and reading practice, Starfall offers games and activities that strengthen the connection between decoding and fluency.

Lalilo – This adaptive reading program adjusts to your child’s level and provides systematic practice in both phonics and fluency skills.

Audiobooks as Fluency Models

Audiobooks deserve special mention as powerful fluency tools. When children follow along in print while listening to skilled narrators, they’re receiving an immersive demonstration of what fluent reading sounds and feels like. Libraries offer extensive free audiobook collections, both physical and digital, making this a budget-friendly option for all families.

Traditional Resources with Staying Power

Despite all the digital innovations, some traditional materials remain remarkably effective:

Decodable readers – These specially designed books contain a high percentage of words that follow the phonics patterns a child has learned, building a bridge between phonics knowledge and fluency practice.

Poetry collections – The rhythm and repetition in poetry naturally support phrased, expressive reading.

Series books – When children read multiple books with the same characters and similar vocabulary, they build fluency through comfortable familiarity.

The best approach combines digital and traditional resources based on your child’s interests and needs. As always, your enthusiasm and involvement remain the most powerful factors in your child’s reading development, regardless of the specific tools you choose.

Watch Your Reader Take Flight

Just like a bird learns to fly through a series of increasingly confident hops and short flights, your child is gradually developing the reading fluency that will allow them to soar through texts with ease and enjoyment. The journey from carefully sounding out words to reading with natural expression is one of the most rewarding progressions you’ll witness as a parent.

Remember that strong phonics skills provide the essential foundation for fluency development. When children receive explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships and ample opportunities to practice these skills in connected text, they’re set up for success in building fluency. As your child’s first and most important teacher, your positive encouragement and the enjoyable reading experiences you create together make all the difference.

For more strategies to support your enthusiastic young reader, visit Phonics.org’s parent resource center, where you’ll find expert guidance on every stage of the reading journey. Together, we can help every child discover the joy and confidence that comes with becoming a fluent reader!

Reading Comprehension Strategies: Building on Phonics Foundations

phonicsorg on March 27, 2025

Ever watched your child perfectly sound out every word in a story, only to have them stare blankly when you ask what the story was about? You’re not alone. This disconnect between decoding words and understanding their meaning is a common hurdle in early reading development. The good news? Strong phonics skills create the perfect launching pad for reading comprehension—they just need the right strategies to make the leap.

The Critical Link Between Phonics and Comprehension

Research consistently shows that children who receive explicit, systematic phonics instruction develop stronger reading comprehension skills. According to the National Reading Panel, phonics instruction produces significant benefits for children’s reading ability, including their comprehension, especially when introduced in kindergarten or first grade.

When children struggle with decoding, they use most of their cognitive resources just to figure out what words say, leaving little mental energy to understand the meaning. Reading comprehension requires several simultaneous processes:

Decoding words
Understanding vocabulary
Making connections between ideas
Drawing on background knowledge

Without automatic word recognition skills built through phonics, the entire comprehension process falters before it begins.

The progression looks something like this:

Phonemic awareness lays the groundwork for hearing and manipulating sounds
Phonics instruction creates sound-letter connections for decoding
Decoding becomes automatic through practice
Cognitive resources free up for higher-level comprehension processes

Once a child masters phonics fundamentals, they can redirect their mental energy toward making meaning from text. It’s like learning to drive—first, you must master the mechanics before you can enjoy the journey.

Evidence-Based Comprehension Strategies That Build on Phonics

Once children develop solid phonics skills, they’re ready for strategies that explicitly bridge decoding and comprehension. The most effective approaches teach children to actively engage with text rather than passively receiving information.

The Visualization Strategy

Visualization involves creating mental images while reading. This strategy takes advantage of the brain’s natural tendency to process information visually, helping children retain and understand text better.

How to practice:

While reading aloud, pause and say, “I’m picturing this in my head. The character looks like…”
Ask your child, “What do you see in your mind when I read this part?”
Have them draw their visualizations after reading key passages

The Question-Answer Relationship (QAR) Technique

The QAR technique, developed by Taffy Raphael, teaches children to recognize different types of questions and where to find their answers.

Four question types to practice:

Right There: Answers found directly in the text
Think and Search: Answers found in different parts of the text
Author and You: Answers require combining text information with prior knowledge
On Your Own: Answers come from the reader’s knowledge and experiences

This strategy helps children understand that comprehension requires both textual evidence and their own thinking—a crucial skill as texts become more complex.

When introducing these strategies, remember that children who have received explicit phonics instruction have an advantage. Their cognitive resources aren’t tied up in decoding, allowing them to focus on meaning-making from the start.

Practical Implementation for Parents and Educators

Transforming research into daily practice is where the real magic happens. Here are concrete ways to implement comprehension strategies that build on phonics skills:

Before Reading Activities

Activate Prior Knowledge: Before opening a book, discuss what your child already knows about the topic. This creates mental “hooks” for new information to attach to.
Preview and Predict: Look at the cover, title, and illustrations. Ask, “What do you think this story will be about?” This engages curiosity and sets a purpose for reading.
Set a Purpose: Say, “Let’s read to find out what happens to the main character,” or “Let’s look for facts about dinosaurs.” Having a clear purpose improves focus and comprehension.

During Reading Activities

Stop and Think: Pause at key points to ask, “What’s happening now?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
Make Connections: Help your child connect the text to their own experiences (text-to-self), other books (text-to-text), or the world (text-to-world).
Monitor Understanding: Teach children to recognize when something doesn’t make sense and to use fix-up strategies like re-reading or asking questions.

Address Common Comprehension Challenges

Even with strong phonics skills, some children encounter specific comprehension challenges. Recognizing and addressing these early can prevent frustration and maintain reading motivation.

Vocabulary Limitations

Children with limited vocabulary will struggle with comprehension even if they can decode perfectly.

Solutions:

Read widely across genres to expose children to varied vocabulary
Explicitly teach 3-5 new words before reading challenging texts
Create word walls or vocabulary notebooks to revisit important terms
Use child-friendly definitions and examples rather than dictionary definitions

Difficulty With Inference

Many children struggle with “reading between the lines” – making inferences about information not explicitly stated.

Solutions:

Model inferential thinking: “The author doesn’t say she’s sad, but I can tell because…”
Use sentence starters: “I think… because the text says…”
Play inference games with pictures before applying them to text
Create inference charts with “What the text says” and “What I can infer”

Attention and Memory Issues

Some children have trouble maintaining focus or remembering what they’ve read, especially with longer texts.

Solutions:

Break reading into manageable chunks
Use graphic organizers to capture key information
Teach note-taking strategies like highlighting or margin notes
Incorporate movement breaks between reading sessions

Integrate Phonics and Comprehension Instruction

The most effective reading instruction doesn’t treat phonics and comprehension as separate entities but as complementary skills that develop together. As your child progresses from learning to read to reading to learn, continue to build their comprehension toolkit while maintaining strong phonics foundations. Remember that comprehension strategies require modeling, guided practice, and gradual release of responsibility before children can use them independently.

Ready to Support Your Child’s Reading Journey?

Strong reading comprehension doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built on systematic phonics instruction and deliberate strategy teaching. By understanding the critical connection between decoding and comprehension, you’re already taking an important step to support your child’s reading development.

For more personalized strategies and resources to support your child’s literacy journey, explore our resources at Phonics.org. Together, we can help your child not just read words but understand, analyze, and love what they read.

How Open and Closed Syllables Build Strong Readers

phonicsorg on March 19, 2025

Ever watched a young reader encounter a long, unfamiliar word? They might stare at it, attempt to sound it out letter by letter, or simply skip it entirely. What if there was a secret code that could unlock these challenging words? There is! Understanding open and closed syllables gives children a powerful tool to crack the reading code. When children learn to recognize these syllable patterns, words like “robot” and “sunset” transform from mysterious jumbles of letters into manageable chunks that follow predictable patterns. This fundamental skill doesn’t just help with reading—it builds confidence that carries through to all aspects of literacy development.

What Are Open and Closed Syllables?

Syllables are the building blocks of words, and understanding their patterns is crucial for reading development. There are six main syllable types in English, with open and closed syllables being the most common and the first two types children should learn.

Closed syllables have a vowel that is “closed in” by at least one consonant after it. In these syllables, the vowel typically makes its short sound. Examples include:

“cat” (one-syllable word with a closed syllable)
“nap-kin” (two-syllable word with two closed syllables)
“fan-tas-tic” (three-syllable word with three closed syllables)

Open syllables end with a vowel sound, with nothing coming after the vowel. In these syllables, the vowel usually makes its long sound. Examples include:

“go” (one-syllable word with an open syllable)
“ba-by” (two-syllable word with two open syllables)
“o-pen” (two-syllable word with one open and one closed syllable)

The National Reading Panel found that systematic phonics instruction, which includes teaching syllable types, produces significant benefits for children in kindergarten through 6th grade and for children having difficulty learning to read. This finding has been consistently supported by research over the decades, reinforcing that explicit instruction in syllable types gives children the tools they need to decode new words independently.

The Science Behind Why Syllable Types Matter

Understanding the neuroscience of reading helps explain why knowledge of syllable types is so powerful. When children learn to read, their brains must develop neural pathways that connect visual information (letters) with phonological information (sounds). Explicit teaching of syllable patterns helps forge these neural connections more efficiently.

When a child encounters an unfamiliar word like “publish,” knowing about closed syllables helps them recognize that “pub-lish” contains two closed syllables with short vowel sounds. This knowledge activates the correct pronunciation pathway in the brain, leading to accurate decoding.

The brain’s ability to chunk information also makes syllable recognition valuable. According to cognitive load theory, our working memory can only process a limited amount of information at once. By teaching children to recognize syllable patterns, we help them chunk words into manageable pieces, reducing cognitive load and freeing up mental resources for comprehension.

For more detailed information about how phonics instruction impacts brain development, check out our article on how the brain learns to read.

Visual Learning Strategies for Teaching Open and Closed Syllables

Teaching syllable types effectively requires concrete, visual methods that help children internalize these abstract concepts. Here are some proven strategies:

The Door Analogy

One of the most effective visual representations is the door analogy:

Draw an open door to represent an open syllable, emphasizing that the vowel sound can “escape” and say its name (long sound)
Draw a closed door to represent a closed syllable, showing how the consonant “closes in” the vowel, keeping it short

Color-Coding Technique

Use consistent colors to help visual learners:

Highlight open syllables in one color (e.g., green)
Highlight closed syllables in another color (e.g., blue)
Practice with multisyllabic words, coloring each syllable according to its type

Hands-On Activities

Tactile learners benefit from physical manipulation:

Create syllable cards with open and closed syllable words
Have children sort words into “open” and “closed” categories
Use building blocks or magnetic letters to construct and deconstruct syllables

Common Challenges and Solutions When Learning Syllable Types

While the concepts of open and closed syllables seem straightforward, children often encounter specific challenges when applying this knowledge. Understanding these common stumbling blocks can help parents provide targeted support.

Challenge #1: Identifying Where to Divide Words

Many children struggle with knowing where to divide multisyllabic words into syllables. For example, in a word like “robot,” should it be divided as “ro-bot” or “rob-ot”?

Solution: Teach the basic syllable division rules:

When there’s one consonant between vowels (as in “robot”), the consonant usually goes with the second syllable (ro-bot)
When there are two consonants between vowels (as in “basket”), the word is usually divided between the consonants (bas-ket)

Challenge #2: Exceptions to the Rules

Some words don’t follow the expected pronunciation patterns, which can confuse learners. For instance, in words like “city,” the first syllable is open but doesn’t have a long vowel sound as expected.

Solution: Acknowledge exceptions explicitly while emphasizing that they are uncommon. Literacy experts recommend being honest with children about English’s irregularities while emphasizing that patterns are still helpful for most words. This approach helps children build confidence in applying phonics rules without becoming frustrated when they encounter exceptions.

Challenge #3: Transferring Knowledge to Reading

Some children can identify syllable types in isolation but struggle to apply this knowledge during actual reading.

Solution:

Practice with decodable texts that feature target syllable patterns
Use a gradual release approach: model, then do together, then let the child try independently
Provide immediate feedback during reading practice

Challenge #4: Distinguishing Between Similar-Looking Words

Words like “kitten” and “kite” can confuse children because they look similar but have different syllable patterns.

Solution: Use comparison activities that explicitly contrast minimal pairs. Have children identify why “kit-ten” has a short ‘i’ sound (closed first syllable) while “kite” has a long ‘i’ sound (it’s actually a vowel-consonant-e syllable, not an open syllable, but the comparison is still valuable).

Build Reading Fluency Through Syllable Recognition

Once children understand the basics of open and closed syllables, they can leverage this knowledge to build reading fluency—the ability to read accurately, quickly, and with proper expression. Fluency is a critical bridge between decoding and comprehension.

From Syllables to Automatic Word Recognition

When children recognize syllable patterns automatically, they can shift their attention from decoding to meaning. Here’s how syllable knowledge supports this progression:

Initial Decoding: Children identify syllable types and apply appropriate vowel sounds
Pattern Recognition: With practice, they begin to recognize common syllable patterns instantly
Chunking: They process larger units of text (syllables rather than individual letters)
Automatic Recognition: Eventually, whole words are recognized instantly

Activities to Build Fluency Through Syllable Recognition

Speed Drills: Time children as they sort word cards into open and closed syllable categories, working to improve their speed while maintaining accuracy
Progressive Reading: Start with simple texts containing mostly one-syllable words, then gradually introduce multisyllabic words with familiar syllable patterns
Reader’s Theater: Have children practice reading scripts that feature target syllable patterns, focusing first on accuracy and then on expressive reading
Word Building Games: Challenge children to build as many words as possible using given syllables within a time limit

Measuring Progress in Syllable Fluency

Track your child’s progress by noting:

How quickly they can identify syllable types in unfamiliar words
Whether they automatically apply the correct vowel sounds based on syllable type
How their reading rate improves when reading texts with taught syllable patterns

For more strategies on building reading fluency using phonics concepts, check out our detailed guide on developing reading fluency through phonics.

How Syllable Knowledge Transforms Reading

Understanding open and closed syllables gives children a powerful decoding tool that extends far beyond these basic patterns. As they master these first two syllable types, they build a foundation for learning more complex patterns like vowel teams, consonant-le syllables, and r-controlled syllables.

The confidence that comes from being able to tackle unfamiliar words independently transforms reluctant readers into eager explorers of text. Rather than avoiding longer words, children equipped with syllable knowledge approach them methodically, breaking them down into manageable chunks.

Remember these key takeaways:

Open syllables end with a vowel and typically have long vowel sounds
Closed syllables end with a consonant and typically have short vowel sounds
Visual and tactile teaching methods help cement these concepts
Consistent practice leads to automatic recognition
Syllable knowledge is a gateway to reading fluency and comprehension

As you support your child’s reading journey, celebrate each new word they decode using their syllable knowledge. Each success builds neural pathways that make future reading easier and more enjoyable.

Ready to help your child master all six syllable types and become a confident, fluent reader? Explore more syllable-based phonics resources and activities at Phonics.org. Our expert-created materials combine the science of reading with engaging, child-friendly approaches that make learning to read an exciting adventure rather than a frustrating challenge.

Debunking Learning Style Myths: What Parents Need to Know

phonicsorg on February 17, 2025

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m a visual learner” or “My child learns best by doing,” you’re familiar with the concept of learning style myths. While these ideas are widespread in education—with research showing 80-95% of people believing in learning styles—recent studies reveal that this popular belief may actually be holding students back rather than helping them succeed.

What Research Says About Learning Styles

The learning styles theory suggests that some children learn better through seeing (visual learners), others through hearing (auditory learners), and still others through physical activities (kinesthetic learners). However, research has consistently debunked this belief.

A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that “more than 90 percent of people believe people learn better if they are taught in their predominant learning style.” However, as lead researcher Dr. Shaylene Nancekivell explains, “Many parents and educators may be wasting time and money on products, services, and teaching methods that are geared toward learning styles.”

In fact, cognitive psychologists Doug Rohrer and Hal Pashler note in their research review: “It does indeed make sense to speak of students who, in comparison with their peers, have poor visual-spatial ability and strong verbal ability, but this does not imply that such students will learn anatomy better if their textbook has few diagrams.”

Why Learning Style Labels Can Be Harmful

According to cognitive scientist Dr. Daniel Willingham, when we label children as certain types of learners, several problems can arise:

Students may avoid effective learning strategies that don’t match their perceived style
They might skip entire subjects they believe don’t align with their learning style
They often try to process information in their preferred style, even when it’s not the most effective approach for the specific content

For example, a child labeled as an “auditory learner” might avoid reading practice because they believe they can only learn effectively by listening. As Dr. Willingham explains, this self-imposed limitation can significantly impact their overall literacy development.

What Really Works: Evidence-Based Learning Approaches

Instead of focusing on learning styles, research supports several proven approaches:

1. Systematic, Explicit Instruction

As demonstrated in multiple studies cited by the National Reading Panel, systematic and explicit instruction proves most effective across various learning domains. This aligns with what we know about effective phonics instruction, where research consistently shows that systematic, explicit teaching leads to better outcomes.

2. Multi-Modal Learning

Dr. Richard Mayer’s research on multimedia learning demonstrates that students learn better when information is presented through multiple channels—not because of individual learning styles, but because multiple representations help all students learn more effectively. His studies show that combining visual and verbal information helps students build better mental models of the content.

3. Individual Pacing and Support

A 2020 study in Frontiers in Psychology by Rogowsky, Calhoun, and Tallal found that “providing instruction based on students’ learning style preferences does not improve learning.” Instead, the researchers recommend focusing on:

Current skill level
Previous knowledge and experience
Areas needing additional practice
Specific learning challenges or strengths

Support Your Child’s Learning Journey

Here are research-backed ways to help your child succeed:

Focus on Evidence-Based Practices

Dr. Paul Kirschner emphasizes in his 2017 research that instead of focusing on learning styles, parents should:

Choose educational programs with proven effectiveness
Look for systematic approaches to skill development
Support regular practice in essential skills like reading and math

Encourage Multiple Learning Methods

Some students may perform better when methods are taught that are different from their preferred “learning style.” This suggests we should:

Expose children to various ways of learning
Avoid limiting activities based on perceived learning styles
Celebrate engagement with different types of learning experiences

Move Forward with Better Understanding of Learning Style Myths

While learning style myths may seem like an intuitive way to understand how children learn, the science points us toward more meaningful differences that actually impact education. Instead of categorizing children into visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learners, research shows we should focus on what truly matters: their current knowledge and skills, individual interests, motivation to learn, and specific areas where they might need extra support.

As educators and parents, our goal isn’t to limit children to one way of learning, but to help them engage with information in multiple ways, building their abilities across all learning methods. By moving beyond the learning styles myth, we can better support children’s natural curiosity and help them develop the full range of skills they need for academic success.

For more evidence-based educational insights and resources, explore our other articles at Phonics.org, where we’re committed to sharing research-backed strategies for supporting your child’s learning journey.

Do Occupational Therapists Help with Reading?

phonicsorg on February 12, 2025

If your child’s occupational therapist has suggested they can help with reading challenges, you might be wondering how OT fits into your child’s literacy journey. Perhaps you’ve noticed your child struggling to track words on a page, frequently losing their place while reading, or becoming physically restless during reading time. These challenges can feel overwhelming, but understanding the connection between physical readiness and reading success can help you better support your child’s learning.

Many parents are surprised to learn that occupational therapy can play a supportive role in reading development. While systematic, explicit phonics instruction remains the foundation of effective reading education, occupational therapy can help create optimal conditions for this learning to take place. Let’s explore that idea.

How an Occupational Therapist Supports Reading Development

Occupational therapists focus on the underlying physical and developmental skills that contribute to successful reading. While they don’t replace systematic phonics instruction, they can help address specific challenges that might interfere with a child’s ability to engage effectively with reading instruction.

Physical Readiness for Reading

OTs can help children develop:

Visual tracking skills needed to follow text across a page
Body positioning and core strength for sustained reading
Fine motor control for writing and page-turning
Visual-motor integration for reading fluency

Supporting Systematic Reading Instruction

Occupational therapy can complement systematic phonics instruction by:

Preparing students physically for learning
Supporting attention and focus during lessons
Developing underlying skills that make explicit instruction more effective
Providing strategies for students who struggle with traditional learning approaches

When to Consider OT Support

Consider consulting an occupational therapist if your child shows these signs during reading instruction:

Difficulty maintaining focus on text
Frequent skipping of lines while reading
Physical restlessness during reading activities
Struggles with visual tracking
Shows signs of eye fatigue or strain

Note: These signs may suggest an underlying issue, but only a qualified professional can assess whether occupational therapy is the right approach for your child.

The Connection to Reading

It’s important to note that occupational therapy is not a replacement for systematic, explicit phonics instruction. Research consistently shows that structured literacy teaching remains the most effective approach to reading education. However, OT can create optimal conditions for this instruction by:

Supporting Physical Prerequisites

Helping children maintain proper posture
Developing eye muscle strength
Improving hand-eye coordination

Enhancing Learning Readiness

Teaching self-regulation strategies
Providing sensory integration techniques
Supporting sustained attention

Evidence-Based Strategies from OT

Occupational therapists often use these research-backed techniques to support reading readiness:

Small Movement Exercises

Eye palming for visual fatigue
Pencil-to-nose exercises for visual tracking
Crossing midline activities for brain integration

Tools and Supports

Specialized seating for optimal positioning
Visual tracking aids
Modified lighting or text presentation

Movement Breaks

Structured physical activities between reading sessions
Balance exercises for body awareness
Coordination activities that support visual-motor skills

Integrate OT with Reading Instruction

For optimal results, parents should ensure:

The primary focus remains on systematic phonics instruction
OT services complement, not replace, evidence-based reading teaching
Communication exists between reading teachers and occupational therapists
Progress is monitored in both physical readiness and reading skills

Make Informed Decisions

When considering occupational therapy for reading support:

Start with a strong foundation in systematic phonics instruction
Consult with both reading specialists and OTs
Look for evidence-based approaches
Monitor progress through objective measures
Maintain consistency between therapy and instruction

Support Your Child’s Reading Journey with OT and Phonics

Creating the right environment for reading success often means bringing together different types of support. While your child’s occupational therapist helps develop the physical skills needed for reading, remember that systematic phonics instruction provides the essential foundation for reading success. By working with both your OT and reading specialists, you can create a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and educational aspects of reading development.

Want to learn more about how to support your child’s reading journey? Explore our evidence-based resources for parents at Phonics.org, where we offer practical strategies for combining different approaches to help your child become a confident reader.

The Connection Between Phonics and Spelling: Building Both Skills Together

phonicsorg on January 22, 2025

Learning to read and write are two sides of the same coin. While many parents and teachers might focus on phonics and spelling as separate skills, teaching them together can lead to better outcomes for young learners. In this article, we’ll explore how phonics and spelling instruction work hand in hand to create stronger readers and writers.

Why Connect Phonics and Spelling Instruction?

When children learn to read using phonics, they’re learning how letters and letter combinations represent speech sounds. This same knowledge is crucial for spelling—it’s just working in the opposite direction. Instead of seeing letters and producing sounds (reading), children hear sounds and produce letters (spelling).

Systematic, explicit instruction in both phonics and spelling leads to better outcomes in both areas. Let’s talk about why this connection is so powerful.

Reinforcing Letter-Sound Relationships

When children practice both reading and spelling words with similar patterns, they strengthen their understanding of how sounds and letters work together. This connection is crucial for developing strong literacy skills. Here’s how it works in practice:

Letter-Sound Pattern Recognition

Children need repeated exposure to specific patterns to internalize them. For example, when teaching the short ‘a’ sound:

Begin with simple CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like ‘cat,’ ‘hat,’ and ‘map’
Have children read these words in decodable texts
Practice spelling words with the same pattern
Play games that reinforce both reading and spelling these patterns

Building Pattern Awareness

As children work with specific sound patterns, they begin to recognize them in new contexts:

They learn to identify word families (like -at, -ap, -an)
They notice these patterns in their reading
They apply these patterns more confidently in their writing
They make connections between similar words

Systematic Practice

The key to success is providing systematic practice in both directions:

Reading to Spelling: “Here’s the word ‘cat.’ What sounds do you hear?”
Spelling to Reading: “Let’s spell the word ‘mat.’ What letters make those sounds?”

A Word on Sight Words

The term “sight words” often creates confusion in phonics instruction. While many teachers are familiar with sight word lists and flashcards, it’s important to understand how they fit into explicit phonics instruction.

What Are Sight Words Really?

The science of reading tells us that all words eventually become “sight words” – words we can read automatically without decoding. However, this doesn’t mean we should teach all common words through memorization. Instead:

Many traditional “sight words” can and should be taught through phonics (like “in,” “at,” “up”)
Only truly irregular words need to be taught as unique patterns (like “the,” “was,” “of”)

Instead of relying on pure memorization, which can overwhelm students and hinder their phonics development, teaching sight words within the context of systematic phonics instruction can help with the learning process.

This means teaching regular sight words alongside related phonics patterns (like teaching “at” when working on short ‘a’ sounds), explicitly teaching only truly irregular words (like “was” and “of”), and continuously reviewing previously learned words. This integrated approach helps students develop strong decoding skills while building automatic word recognition, leading to better outcomes in both reading and spelling.

Building Confident Readers and Writers

One of the most common and problematic reading behaviors occurs around kindergarten when children are nearing the end of the year. At this stage, most children know all or nearly all letters of the alphabet and have received some phonemic awareness and decoding instruction. However, the rate at which they master these skills can vary.

As they begin to connect sounds to graphemes, some students may guess at words based on the first letter or two instead of fully decoding them. For example, they might see the word ‘pit’ and read it as ‘pig’ or look at ‘bag’ and say ‘bat.’ This happens because they haven’t fully mastered sound-symbol relationships, often relying on context clues or pictures rather than systematically decoding the entire word.

By practicing both phonics and spelling together, students develop crucial skills that prevent this guessing habit:

Children learn to analyze every sound position in a word systematically, from beginning to end
They develop stronger phonemic awareness and can mentally map sounds to letters with greater precision
They build neural pathways that connect pronunciation, spelling, and meaning
They’re more likely to slow down and decode unfamiliar words rather than guess
They develop automatic recognition of common spelling patterns, improving both accuracy and fluency

This integrated approach is particularly powerful because it engages multiple learning pathways in the brain – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic – creating stronger, more reliable reading skills that persist even when students encounter new or challenging words.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Teachers

Here are some effective ways to connect phonics and spelling instruction:

Start with Sounds: Before introducing new letter patterns, have children practice hearing and manipulating the target sounds in words. For example, before teaching the ‘bl’ blend:

Practice blending sounds: “/b/ /l/ /ā/ /k/” becomes “Blake”
Practice segmenting words: “blob” becomes “/b/ /l/ /ŏ/ /b/”

Use Systematic Instruction

Follow a clear sequence when teaching both reading and spelling:

Begin with simple patterns and gradually increase the complexity
Ensure children master basic skills before moving to more challenging ones
Review previously learned patterns regularly

Provide Plenty of Practice

Give children opportunities to work with words in multiple ways:

Reading decodable texts that feature target patterns
Writing words with the same patterns
Playing games that incorporate both reading and spelling

Signs of Success

You’ll know your connected instruction is working when you see:

Increased confidence in approaching new words
Better accuracy in both reading and spelling
Less reliance on guessing strategies
More willingness to attempt challenging words

Remember, learning to read and spell takes time. Some children may need more practice than others, and that’s perfectly normal. The key is maintaining consistent, systematic instruction that connects these related skills.

Want to learn more about effective phonics and spelling instruction? Explore our other helpful resources here at Phonics.org, where we share expert reviews and tips for supporting young readers and writers.

Phonics and the Literacy Crisis: America’s Reading Challenge

phonicsorg on December 20, 2024

The statistics are sobering: 66% of American fourth graders are failing to meet proficiency levels in reading, with even more alarming rates among minority students. For Black fourth graders, this number climbs to 82%. These aren’t just numbers—they represent millions of children whose futures are shaped by their early reading abilities.

Understanding the Crisis

The literacy crisis in America isn’t just an educational challenge—it’s a predictor of life outcomes. Research shows that children with below-basic reading skills in third grade are six times more likely to fail to complete high school on time. Perhaps most troubling, 70% of incarcerated adults cannot read above a fourth-grade level, highlighting the profound societal implications of early reading failure.

But there’s hope. The solution lies in something researchers have known for decades: systematic phonics instruction.

The Science Behind Reading Success

Reading doesn’t develop naturally like spoken language. While our brains are wired for speech, reading requires explicit instruction in connecting letters (graphemes) to sounds (phonemes). This process, known as phonics, is supported by decades of research and cognitive science.

Key findings show that:

95% of children have the cognitive ability to become proficient readers
Up to 50% of children require systematic, explicit instruction to achieve reading success
The brain processes written language letter by letter, sound by sound
Without systematic phonics instruction, many students will continue to struggle

Want to explore? Here are some fun phonics practice ideas you can do at home.

The Mississippi Miracle: A Case Study in Success

The transformation of Mississippi’s reading scores provides compelling evidence for the power of systematic phonics instruction. From 2013 to 2023, Mississippi rose from 49th to 21st in national reading rankings by:

Abandoning ineffective “meaning-based” approaches
Implementing systematic phonics instruction
Training teachers in structured literacy
Providing explicit instruction in letter-sound relationships

Why Traditional Approaches Fall Short

Many popular reading programs rely on “meaning-based” approaches that encourage students to:

Guess words based on context
Use picture clues
Memorize sight words without understanding phonetic patterns
Predict words based on the “three-cueing system.”

These methods contradict what science tells us about how the brain learns to read. They can create poor reading habits that become increasingly problematic as texts become more complex.

The Role of Phonics in Reading Development

Systematic phonics instruction teaches children to:

Recognize individual letter sounds
Blend sounds together to read words
Break words apart into individual sounds
Understand spelling patterns
Apply these skills to decode unfamiliar words

This approach builds a strong foundation for:

Reading fluency
Comprehension
Vocabulary development
Academic success

Supporting Phonics Development at Home

Parents play a crucial role in reinforcing phonics skills. Here are evidence-based strategies:

For Pre-readers (Ages 3-5):

Practice letter sounds daily
Play sound games and rhyming activities
Read decodable books together
Focus on letter-sound relationships rather than just letter names

For Beginning Readers:

Use systematic phonics programs
Practice blending sounds
Read decodable texts that match taught skills
Avoid guessing strategies

For Struggling Readers:

Seek early intervention
Use structured literacy approaches
Provide additional practice opportunities
Focus on foundational skills

The Path Forward

Addressing America’s literacy crisis requires:

Recognition of the problem’s scope
Implementation of evidence-based reading instruction
Teacher training in structured literacy
Parent education and support
Early intervention for struggling readers

Happy Readers = Future Leaders

The literacy crisis in America is serious but solvable. We can ensure that all children develop strong reading skills by embracing systematic phonics instruction and abandoning ineffective teaching methods. The science is clear: phonics works. Now, it’s time to implement that knowledge in our homes and schools.

Digraphs and Trigraphs: A Parent’s Guide

phonicsorg on December 13, 2024

Is your child starting to read words with letter combinations like ‘sh’ or ‘ch’? Congratulations—you’re entering the exciting world of digraphs and trigraphs! While these terms might sound technical, they’re not too tricky. The terms describe “letter teams” that work together to make a single sound. Let’s explore how you can help your child master these important reading building blocks at home.

What Are Digraphs? Think “Letter Teams”

Think of digraphs as two letters that are best friends – they stick together to make one special sound. Unlike when letters blend (like ‘st’ in “stop,” where you hear both sounds), digraphs create an entirely new sound.

Common Digraphs in Early Reading

Let’s look at some letter teams your child will encounter in their early reading journey:

Team ‘sh’ – Makes the quiet “shhh” sound

Words to practice: ship, shop, fish, dish
Fun practice: Play “quiet time” and make the “shhh” sound together when reading these words

Team ‘ch’ – Makes the “choo-choo” train sound

Words to practice: chair, cheese, lunch, beach
Fun practice: Pretend to be a train while sounding out these words

Team ‘th’ – Stick out your tongue for this one!

Words to practice: this, that, with, path
Fun practice: Make funny faces in the mirror while practicing the ‘th’ sound

Team ‘wh’ – The questioning sound

Words to practice: what, when, where, which
Fun practice: Play “Twenty Questions” using lots of ‘wh’ words

These digraphs introduce important sounds in early reading.

Special Vowel Teams

Just like consonants, vowels can team up to make new sounds. Here are some common ones:

Team ‘ee’ – Makes the long E sound

Words to practice: tree, seed, feet, green
Fun practice: Go on a nature walk and spot things with the ‘ee’ sound

Team ‘oa’ – Makes the long O sound

Words to practice: boat, goat, road, soap
Fun practice: Go on a “road trip” around the house, finding things with the ‘oa’ sound

Exploring these vowel teams adds a playful twist to learning, helping your child uncover the formula behind new sounds.

What About Trigraphs? The Three-Letter Teams

Sometimes, three letters join forces to make one sound. These are called trigraphs, and while they’re less common, they’re important to know:

Team ‘tch’ – Found at the ends of words

Words to practice: catch, watch, match
Fun practice: Play catch while practicing words with ‘tch’

Team ‘igh’ – Makes the long I sound

Words to practice: light, night, bright
Fun practice: Take turns turning the lights on and off while saying ‘igh’ words

Trigraphs open the door to even more reading adventures — perfect for growing your child’s confidence.

Fun Ways to Practice at Home

Here are even more at-home activities that strengthen reading skills through interactive and hands-on exercises:

1. Letter Team Treasure Hunt

Give your child a magazine or children’s book
Pick a digraph to hunt for
Have them circle or highlight every word they find that contains that letter team

2. Sound Sort Game

Write words with different digraphs on sticky notes
Help your child sort them into groups by their letter teams
Make it fun by turning it into a race or matching game

3. Memory Match

Create pairs of cards with matching digraph words
Play a traditional memory game
When they find a match, have them read the word

4. Letter Team Art

Pick a digraph or trigraph to focus on
Draw pictures of things that contain that sound
Label the pictures together

By facilitating these activities, you’ll provide plenty of chances to practice and reinforce your child’s understanding of digraphs and trigraphs.

When Your Child Gets Stuck

It’s perfectly normal for kids to need extra help with these letter teams. Here are some tips for tricky moments:

Break it down: Point to the letter team and remind them it makes one sound
Use a reminder: “Remember, ‘sh’ makes the quiet sound!”
Make it physical: Use hand motions for different sounds
Stay positive: Celebrate their efforts and progress

With patience and consistent encouragement, your child will gradually gain confidence in mastering these letter teams.

Let’s Grow There… Together

Want to make learning digraphs and trigraphs even more engaging? Browse the Phonics.org blog: it’s chock-full of reading app reviews and fun ideas to support your child’s reading journey.

How to Find a Phonics Tutor: Tips for Parents

phonicsorg on December 6, 2024

Phonics is a major aspect of your child’s early education. It equips them with the skills they need to read, write, and learn. Foundational skills like decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension will carry them through their academic journey as well as the rest of their life! Therefore, if your child is struggling with their phonics education, you might want to consider getting them a phonics tutor or literacy specialist.

In this article, we explore some of the options available to support struggling readers. A skilled tutor can offer personalized instruction, boost your child’s confidence, and make a lasting impact on your student’s learning. Learn what to look for in a phonics tutor and how to navigate the process!

When Should You Get a Phonics Tutor for Your Child?

There are some signs that your child could use one-on-one support from a phonics tutor. Some signs are obvious, whereas others might be subtle. Knowing these signs is the first step to addressing potential literacy difficulties your child is experiencing.

Difficulty recognizing letters and sounds: If your child struggles to identify individual letters or associate them with their corresponding speech sounds, this may indicate a need for phonics intervention.
Trouble blending sounds to form words: Children who can identify letter sounds but have difficulty combining them to read whole words may benefit from targeted phonics instruction.
Avoiding reading activities: If your child constantly avoids reading or becomes frustrated during literacy tasks, it could be a sign of underlying challenges.
Low confidence in reading and writing: A child who expresses doubt or low self-esteem in their ability to read or shows anxiety around phonics activities may need additional support.

Early intervention is crucial when it comes to addressing reading or writing difficulties. Research has consistently shown that addressing reading challenges in the early years—ideally, by grade three—can prevent more significant issues from developing later on.

What Makes a Good Phonics Tutor?

When searching for a phonics tutor, consider the following qualities.

Qualifications and Training

There are several types of tutors you can consider, from reading specialists to one-on-one tutors that supplement your child’s instruction in the classroom.

Look for certified educators with reputable credentials and specific training in systematic phonics instruction.
Seek tutors who are familiar with evidence-based literacy practices, particularly those aligned with the science of reading.
Contact a certified reading specialist or clinician if your child has been diagnosed with a specific learning disorder.

Teaching Approach

While there are several different types of phonics instructional methods, there are proven strategies that work for most children. Below are some of the factors to look for.

Explicit and systematic instruction: Effective phonics tutors use a structured approach that systematically introduces and reinforces phonics concepts.
Multisensory techniques: Good tutors incorporate visual, auditory, and hands-on activities to engage children in many activities that reinforce phonics skills.
Individualized instruction: The ability to tailor lessons based on a child’s specific needs and learning pace is important for effective phonics tutoring.

Tools and Resources

A good phonics tutor will typically provide helpful resources and practice tools for your child to continue at home! Examples include:

Decodable texts: Tutors should be familiar with and utilize texts that align with the phonics skills being taught.
Phoneme-grapheme mapping: Effective tutors use strategies that help children understand the relationship between sounds and letters.
Interactive tools: The use of technology and hands-on materials can enhance engagement and reinforce phonics concepts.

Where to Find a Phonics Tutor

There are several avenues you can explore when searching for a qualified phonics tutor. Don’t know where to start? Here are some suggestions.

Local Resources

If you’re looking for an in-person tutor to help your child with their phonics skills, local resources are a great place to start. This can include:

Your child’s school
The local library
Educational centers
Tutoring programs
Nonprofit literacy organizations
Pediatrician offices
Child psychologists

There are also online directories to locate tutors and specialists for children with conditions like dyslexia, autism, or ADHD.

Online Platforms

With the luxury of remote and hybrid learning today, there are also online options to consider. In this case, your child can receive quality tutoring via video calls from the comfort of your own home.

Websites like Tutor.com and SylvanLearning.com connect families with qualified tutors on a variety of subjects, including phonics and reading. Virtual tutoring from these sites is flexible and convenient for children who may not otherwise have access to specialists locally.

Direct Recommendations

Some of the best services are found through referrals and word-of-mouth. Therefore, it’s a good idea to ask your friends, neighbors, local parenting groups, and your child’s teachers if they know of a qualified phonics tutor. Online forums like Facebook groups and social media can also be a helpful resource.

Phonics Programs to Help With Tutoring

To complement one-on-one tutoring, consider incorporating structured phonics programs that can be implemented at home.

Research-Based Programs

Effective phonics programs offer a systematic progression from simple to complex phonics concepts. These programs typically:

Introduce letter-sound relationships in a logical sequence
Provide ample practice opportunities for each skill
Include regular assessments to monitor progress
Obtain a professional reading assessment to diagnose areas of concern

Supplemental Materials

In addition to a core phonics program, effective tutoring often incorporates:

Decodable texts: These books are specifically designed to reinforce the phonics skills being taught, allowing children to practice reading words with familiar sound patterns.
Dictation activities: Regular dictation exercises help children apply their phonics knowledge to spelling and writing.
Cumulative review: Consistent review of previously learned concepts helps solidify phonics skills and promotes long-term retention.
Digital programs: Certain online programs or phonics apps can be helpful additions to support your child’s literacy development. Check out some helpful reviews at Phonics.org.

Phonics.org: Your Go-To Resource for Phonics Tips

Finding the right phonics tutor can be a significant milestone in your child’s literacy development. By recognizing the signs that your child may need additional support, understanding what qualities to look for in a tutor, and exploring your best options, you can take proactive steps to support your child’s reading journey.

As you begin your search for a phonics tutor, make an effort to interview potential tutors, asking about their qualifications, teaching approach, and experience with phonics instruction. In the meantime, explore more educational phonics resources and tips at Phonics.org where we share honest reviews from literacy experts!