K-5 Reading Basics

Learning to Read:  Practice letter sounds, word blends or sight words for the youngest kids (try some card sets from Lakeshore) or a print curriculum book like the Foundations program from Logic of English.  If your child does well with apps or computer based learning, try Nessy Reading or Teach Your Monster to Read for basic reading skills.  

Improving Reading: Once they have learned the basics, have them read out loud, or independently, about 20-30 minutes a day from an interesting book (even a comic or cartoon book)  Discuss new words, and ask questions for comprehension.  Be sure to step up the challenge when they are ready for it. The Essentials level of Logic of English is a solid, research-based reading program, with lots of help on their web site.  The library is a great place for early reader series books.

Customize: Take turns reading paragraphs on the couch or while sitting on a yoga ball. If they don't like stories, read books on non-fiction topics.  Kindle readers can adjust to large font size if that helps.  

If reading seems harder than it should:  Keep your eyes peeled for any learning disabilities like dyslexia, or vision related issues. (Google Susan Barton for dyslexia, or try Nessy Reading online)  Catching issues now can make a huge difference, versus the common advice to keep waiting.  

For a more thorough list of resources, see the Curriculum Planning pages.