One of the trickiest areas to figure out as a parent is when (and how!) to teach your child to read. Like potty training, reading can feel like a skill that just magically happens... or something you hope someone else figures out for you.
But here's the truth: teaching a child to read is a process, and like any skill, it requires intentional effort. The question "When and how do I teach my child to read?" I get this question quite often from moms with littles getting ready to start preschool, or they notice that their elementary school-aged kids are having trouble with reading.
Teach Your child to read is simpler than you think!
I’m going to share how we taught our children to read. By following this process, both our daughter and son were reading at a second-grade level by the time they were four and five years old. I’ll outline what worked for us in the hope that it can be a guide for your family!
First, let me start by saying that every child will learn to read at their own pace. For example, my daughter, who is nine now, reads at a high school level, while my son, at seven, reads at a fourth-grade level. The goal is not necessarily to have early readers but to provide them with the tools and encouragement they need to succeed at their own pace.
In this blog I’ll share three keys that helped us develop strong readers:
providing constant exposure to rich language
fostering a love of learning
and setting high expectations.
Let’s dive right on in!
Exposure: Surround Them with Rich Language
We decided early on that we wouldn’t baby-talk to our kids. From the moment they were born, we spoke to them with a conversational tone—the same way we’d speak to an adult. Now, that doesn’t mean we didn’t soften our voices or use a sing-song tone. It just meant that we used real words and avoided overly simplistic language.
Our thought process was, “This is a future 20-year-old in the making, and I’m helping shape their understanding of the world.” Babies and toddlers might not fully understand everything we say, but speaking to them like intelligent beings respects their potential. It also prepares them to understand complex language later on.
We practically applied this idea by having regular conversations with them—even when they were infants. We’d explain what we were doing, where we were going, and describe our surroundings. I even introduced them to other adults as if they were fully grown!
In addition, we listened to radio dramas with clear dialogue and classic stories, ensuring they heard English spoken in ways we desired them to speak.
As a result, people often comment on how well my kids speak, how large their vocabulary is, and how confident they are in conversation. This wasn’t an accident—it’s the result of years of exposure to rich language.
We also used resources like library visits, read-aloud storybooks, and programs like the Imagination Library, which sent us a new book each month from birth to age five. These opportunities gave our kids constant access to language.
We read together daily, looked at signs, read grocery lists, and made sure reading wasn’t something that happened only in structured learning environments. It was a part of their everyday life.
Love of Learning: Build Curiosity Early
Exposure naturally led to a love of learning. Our kids became curious about the words around them and wanted to know more.
For us, learning has always been a family value. My husband and I never stop learning! Whether it's discovering new skills or finding ways to improve ourselves, we are constantly pursuing knowledge. When children see that their parents value learning, it creates a natural desire for them to do the same.
We nurtured this love of learning in every environment. Whether in the car listening to phonics songs or at home doing laundry, we found opportunities to engage in learning. We would point out the letters, sound them out phonetically, and explain what the word meant. These daily interactions laid a strong foundation for reading.
Let me tell you - it felt like word discovery was nonstop once they became fully verbal! Every time we went out we read street signs, store names, trailer containers, flyers - everything and anything that caught their attention.
You could practically hear the thoughts clicking in their head...
letters make sounds, sounds make words... and words have meaning and power!!
They weren't just learning how to read - they experienced the power of language firsthand.
High Expectations: Set the Bar and Watch Them Rise
Here’s the thing about children: they will rise to the level of expectations you set for them. If you don't remember anything else, remember this one thing!
If you expect your children to not apply themselves and be slow or disinterested, they will likely meet those low expectations. But, if you believe in them, speak life over them, and expect that they can do hard things, your children will rise to the challenge.
We set high expectations for our kids early on—not in a way that was harsh or unattainable, but in a way that reflected our belief in their potential.
For example, we expected our children to communicate clearly and confidently. From an early age, we exposed them to language and age-appropriate ideas that would challenge them and help them grow.
We read from the Bible out loud as a family. As they became more language-aware, they started reading the Bible with us. In fact, hearing our daughter read Matthew 5 effortlessly at four years old we knew were onto something. (It was a pleasant shock to say the least!) Our son was about five years old when he started reading the Bible independently.
Now, I realize there’s a fine line here. High expectations should never become a burden or create anxiety. Children should feel supported and encouraged, especially when they struggle. Struggling is healthy and a necessary part of learning!
When our kids hit a wall or need extra help, we find ways to support them without lowering the bar. The key is to create an environment where challenges are embraced and success is celebrated, no matter how small.
Reading doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal—it can be an adventure!
Our Secret Reading Hack...
I would be remiss if I didn't mention a special hack we used to help our children learn to read. But before I share, I would like to give some context.
One of the most important ways we encourage a love of learning is by limiting screen time. With screens, children can passively play or consume content with their minds zoned out - the opposite of active, engaging learning.
When our kiddos had a peak interest in learning to read and started connecting letters and sounds, we would sign them up the "Hooked on Phonics" app for one summer. They were around three and four years old, and let me tell you - they were excited to practice and learn how to read!
The "Hooked on Phonics" summer became a special, designated time where screen time was linked to learning in a fun, engaging way. For two or three months, they were allowed to use the app and immerse themselves in phonics games and activities.
They loved it! The limited exposure made it a special event, and the combination of technology and learning kept them excited about reading. We made sure to balance "summer school" with physical books, storytelling, and reading their environment. This balance between screen-based and hands-on learning worked beautifully.
By limiting a child's screen time, we made "Hooked on Phonics" a special treat rather than a daily distraction. As a result, when our kids did have screen time, they truly appreciated it. This also allowed us to prioritize interactive and meaningful learning experiences, such as reading and storytelling.
Learning to Read is a Process
Ultimately, teaching your child to read doesn’t happen overnight! It’s a process built on exposure, love of learning, and high expectations.
Think of it as a three-legged stool—each leg is essential. When you provide a language-rich environment, nurture curiosity, and set high standards, reading becomes a natural outcome.
So whether your child reads early or takes their time, know that your intentional efforts will pay off. By adding reading into everyday life, fostering a love of learning, and believing in your child’s potential, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of success.
I'm curious, which tips stood out most to you? Tell me in the comments below!
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