Families play an important role in laying the foundation for success in literacy. There are simple, everyday activities that can impact student achievement in reading, which is the foundation for success in all content areas.
Below are five tips from the IUSD English Language Arts Department to help support literacy at home for your little ones:
1. Phonemic Awareness: Playing with Sounds
Help your child tune their ear to the sounds that make up words.
- Clap the syllables in family members’ names.
- Say two rhyming words and ask your child for another that rhymes.
- Play “I Spy” with sounds: “I spy something that starts with ‘m’.”
2. Phonics: Connecting Letters and Sounds
As children learn how letters represent sounds, you can help by making those connections come alive.
- Read signs and labels aloud and point out letter-sound matches.
- Use magnetic letters to build simple words like cat or ship.
- Try a word game: change one letter to make a new word (map → mop).
3. Fluency: Building Confidence Through Practice
Fluent readers read smoothly and with expression.
- Reread a favorite book or poem several times together.
- Take turns reading a page each, or read in unison for fun.
- Record your child reading and play it back to celebrate progress.
4. Vocabulary: Growing Word Power
Strong vocabulary helps children better understand what they read — and express themselves clearly.
- Pause to talk about new or interesting words from a story.
- Use those words in conversation throughout the day.
- Visit the library to explore books filled with rich, new language.
5. Comprehension: Talking About What You Read
After reading, discuss the story to help your child think deeply and make connections.
- Ask, “Who was in the story? What happened first?”
- Make predictions: “What do you think will happen next?”
- Relate the story to their life: “Have you ever felt like that character?”
Bonus Tip: The Magic of 15 Minutes
Reading together for just 15 minutes a day strengthens skills, builds vocabulary, and fosters a lifelong love of books. Even short, joyful reading moments boost confidence, fluency, and comprehension — while creating meaningful family memories you’ll both treasure.
If you would like more information about how to best support your child in reading, please contact your child’s teacher.