Back to School: 5 Powerful Ways to Support Your Little Reader at Home

As school resumes across districts in the United States, parents play a crucial role in nurturing early literacy. Whether your child is entering PreK or already in elementary school, here are five impactful strategies to support their reading journey:

• Encourage Full Sentence Responses Before Kindergarten: In Steubenville, Ohio, strong reading scores have been consistent for over fifteen years. One key factor? PreK students are taught to respond in full sentences. This practice builds foundational skills for both reading and writing by reinforcing sentence structure and expressive language. Source: Steubenville City Schools Literacy Initiative

• Talk Frequently to Your Child:  Oracy—effective spoken communication—is a cornerstone of literacy development. Engaging in regular conversations helps children build vocabulary, understand syntax, and improve comprehension through dialogue. Source: Illinois Comprehensive Literacy Plan

• Address Speech Delays Early: If you suspect your child has a speech delay before kindergarten, seek an evaluation. Early intervention can significantly improve phonemic awareness and language acquisition, setting the stage for reading success.

• Focus on Sounding Out Words, Not Guessing:  Encourage your child to decode words by sounding them out rather than relying on pictures or initial letters. This strengthens phonics skills and prevents guessing habits that can hinder reading accuracy.

• Read Aloud Every Evening:  Make reading a daily ritual. Choose a book or article, pause at punctuation, explain new vocabulary, and model fluent reading. This not only builds comprehension but also fosters a love for stories and learning.

Wishing you and your child a joyful and successful school year! Remember, you are their first teacher and strongest advocate. Celebrate their progress with praise and encouragement—every word counts!