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Literacy Resources

Parent Guide to Early Reading Skills
What it Is When to Use It How to Use It

This guide explains the reading skills children learn from kindergarten through third grade. It focuses on three main areas:

  • Hearing and working with sounds (phonological awareness)
  • Connecting sounds to letters and words (phonics)
  • Reading smoothly and confidently (fluency

Use this guide:

  • To understand what your child is learning in reading
  • To check how your child is progressing
  • When you want ideas to support reading at home
  • During homework time or when talking with your child’s teacher
  • Look at your child’s grade level and review the skills listed
  • Practice those skills in short, fun ways (reading together, playing word games, talking about sounds)
  • Read with your child often and encourage them to read aloud
  • Choose books your child enjoys and can mostly read on their own
  • Partner with your child’s teacher if you have questions or need more ideas
Embedding Reading and Writing Daily
What it Is When to Use It How to Use It
This guide shares simple, everyday ways families can help build their child’s reading and language skills at home. It focuses on making literacy part of daily life through activities like reading together, talking, playing games, and using language in meaningful ways.
Use this guide:
  • During everyday routines like meals, bedtime, or car rides
  • When reading with your child or talking about books
  • Anytime you want simple ideas to support learning at home
  • With children of all ages - from young children to teens
  • Read and talk with your child often (before, during, and after reading)
  • Use fun activities like singing, storytelling, drawing, and word games
  • Ask open-ended questions to get your child thinking and talking
  • Point out and discuss new or interesting words
  • Create a literacy-rich home (books, labels, conversations, and print around the house)
  • Encourage reading in any language spoken at home
  • Model reading by letting your child see you read regularly
Read 20 Minutes Daily
What it Is When to Use It How to Use It

“Read 20 minutes a day” means setting aside a small, consistent amount of time each day for your child to read. This can include reading independently, reading with you, or listening to reading.

 

It helps build strong reading skills, vocabulary, comprehension, and a love of reading over time.

Use this daily:

  • After school or homework
  • Before bedtime
  • During quiet time
  • Anytime your child is calm and able to focus

The key is consistency - making reading a regular part of your child’s routine.
  • Let your child choose books they enjoy and can mostly read on their own
  • Read together - take turns reading or read aloud to your child
  • Talk about the book (ask questions, make predictions, connect to their life)
  • Break the 20 minutes into smaller chunks if needed (ex: two 10-minute sessions)
  • Keep it positive and low-pressure - the goal is to build confidence and enjoyment
  • Be a role model by reading yourself