Teaching a child the basics of reading is easier said than done. When we read, we use a complex set of processes to comprehend the written word. And so, when we begin teaching the basics of reading to our children, we must keep in mind – that reading skills take time and patience to develop.

Whenever we attempt to learn a new skill, we build upon what we already know. Similarly, there are three main components of reading that children need to build upon – decoding, comprehension, and retention. We have put together a list of eight elements that can help you teach your child essential reading. Kids who develop a vital reading skill from an early age are more likely to form steady reading habits later in life.

8 Elements of Teaching Your Child Basic Reading Skills

• Print Awareness

  Print awareness refers to the understanding that printed letters convey meaning. Knowing the use of a book – such as recognising the front and back cover, what it means to turn the page, and that the letters written on those pages can tell a story.

• Phonics and Decoding

  One of the essential elements of reading skills is the understanding of alphabets. Phonics and decoding essentially mean understanding the concept that letters and combinations of letters represent the sounds of spoken language.

• Understanding Vocabulary

  Learning basic reading for kids should be accompanied by efforts to expand their vocabulary. The more words your child knows, the easier it will be to understand what they read.

• Helping Your Child Learn Spelling

  To help your child learn the proper spellings of words, explain to them that the words we speak are made up of a combination of speech sounds and that alphabets represent those sounds.

• Fluency

  As your child gets better at reading basics, they will begin to acquire a natural fluency in reading. Fluency refers to the ability to read quickly, easily, and with expression. In addition, fluency is a skill that connects word recognition and comprehension.

• Comprehension

  When your child begins to think actively while reading, they begin to understand what they are reading. To understand the written word is to comprehend – and reading comprehension is the true purpose of reading.

• Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

  Kids must recognise the spoken elements of words and manipulate the spoken words, including rhymes, syllables, and phonemes. These skills are essential to help children recognise and remember words and their spellings.

• Writing

  As your child learns to read, you will notice their writing skills also develop with regular reading. Children who love to read can manipulate sentence structures and find the right words with ease. Such kids are more likely to create better creative writing abilities later in life.

Developing reading skills in your child may seem like a struggle at first, and parents should understand that there is no single sure-shot formula for teaching children to read. Sometimes, it is more important to identify your child’s unique needs and teach them accordingly.