Blog Reading 10 Fun and Engaging Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read

10 Fun and Engaging Ways to Help Your Child Learn to Read

January 31, 2025

parent helping child learn to read

Helping your child learn to read is one of the most rewarding (and daunting) experiences as a parent. Reading is the foundation for academic success and a lifelong skill, but it doesn’t always come naturally to kids. Teaching it doesn’t always come naturally to parents, either!

The good news is that with a mix of fun activities, structured guidance, and a dash of creativity, you can make the process enjoyable and effective.

While games, apps, and tools are helpful, nothing replaces the value of parental involvement and professional support from online reading tutors. Let’s dive into 10 fun and engaging ways to help your child develop strong reading skills!

1. Read Aloud Together

Reading aloud is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your child’s reading journey. It helps build vocabulary, improve comprehension, and spark a love for books.

To make storytime even more engaging:

  • Use animated voices for different characters.
  • Pause to ask questions about the story (“What do you think will happen next?”).
  • Let your child choose books that interest them.

Reading aloud together also demonstrates fluency (reading smoothly at a good rate) and expression, giving your child a model to follow.

2. Incorporate Online Reading Tutors

Online reading tutors offer personalized, research-based instruction tailored to your child’s specific needs. Tutors focus on phonics (matching sounds with letters), decoding (translating written words into speech), and fluency—critical components of the Science of Reading.

What makes online tutors stand out?

  • They create a structured learning environment.
  • They use engaging strategies to keep your child motivated.
  • They provide consistency, which is a common struggle amidst busy family schedules.
  • They provide expert guidance, helping your child overcome struggles with confidence.

Parental involvement paired with professional tutoring ensures your child gets the best of both worlds—connection and expertise.

3. Play Word Games

Learning doesn’t always have to feel like school! Word games are a fantastic way to sneak in literacy practice while having fun.

Some great options at home include:

  • Scrabble Jr. for spelling practice.
  • Bananagrams to encourage quick thinking and creativity with words.
  • Boggle is a classic favorite, and we often play it during Savvy Learning classes!

On-the-go options:

    • Online word games like Wordle or Hangman to build vocabulary.
    • Car games like ABC Go! Start with the letter “A” and name animals (or words) until you can’t think of any more, then move on to the letter “B” and so on. 
  • Guess Who? Say things like “I rhyme with log. I have a tail. Who am I?” (A dog.)

Word games tap into your child’s natural curiosity and make learning feel more like play. Busy families are often in the car, so take advantage of their undivided attention to learn and play!

4. Explore Interactive Reading Apps

Today’s technology offers a wide range of apps designed to help kids learn to read in fun and engaging ways. Apps like Epic!, Starfall, and ABCmouse include phonics activities, storybooks, and interactive games that align with reading development.

However, it’s important to note that apps work best as supplemental tools. Children benefit most when parents or tutors guide them alongside these resources.

5. Establish a Reading Routine

Consistency is key to developing strong reading skills. A daily reading routine helps build the habit of reading while reinforcing important skills.

Here’s how to create a routine:

  • Dedicate 10-20 minutes daily to reading with your child.
  • Alternate between reading aloud to them and letting them read to you.
  • Encourage discussions about what you’re reading to build comprehension.

Over time, this routine will become a cherished part of your day. Some of the best conversations can result from reading time! 

6. Write Stories Together

Writing and reading go hand in hand. Creating stories together allows your child to practice spelling, vocabulary, and sentence structure in an enjoyable way.

Try this:

  • Start with a simple prompt like, “What would you do if you were invisible for a day?”
  • Let your child tell their story while you write, or encourage them to write their own sentences.
  • Illustrate the story together for an added creative touch!
  • Games like Story Cubes are a fun way to spark imagination if you want more guidance.

This activity enhances comprehension by showing your child how stories are structured.

7. Act Out Stories

Turn reading into an interactive experience by acting out stories. This approach reinforces comprehension, builds confidence, and encourages creativity.

How to get started:

  • Pick a short story or a scene from a book.
  • Assign roles to family members and act them out.
  • Use props or costumes to make it even more exciting.

Acting out stories allows kids to connect with the material on a deeper level while having a blast!

8. Create a Reading Nook

A cozy, dedicated space for reading can make books feel extra special. A reading nook gives your child a place to retreat into their favorite stories.

To create one:

  • Use comfy seating, soft lighting, and a small bookshelf.
  • Add fun decorations like pillows or wall art featuring their favorite book characters.
  • Let your child help design the nook to make it their own.

When reading feels like an adventure, kids are more likely to dive into books.

9. Sing Songs and Rhymes

Songs and rhymes are excellent tools for building phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. Nursery rhymes and rhyming books (like Dr. Seuss classics) help children recognize patterns and rhythms in language.

Here are some ideas:

  • Sing classic nursery rhymes like “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
  • Make up your own silly rhymes together.
  • Use songs with repetitive patterns to help reinforce new words–these can be about days of the week, colors, or numbers, for example.

These activities are particularly effective for younger children just starting to explore language.

10. Take Advantage of Library Resources

Libraries are a treasure trove of resources for young readers! Most libraries offer:

  • Storytime sessions with engaging storytelling and activities.
  • A wide selection of books to suit any interest or reading level.
  • Book clubs or literacy programs for kids.

Encourage your child to pick their own books to spark excitement about reading. Frequent library visits show kids that reading is a fun, ongoing adventure.

Final Thoughts

Helping your child learn to read doesn’t have to be stressful—it can be a joyful, rewarding experience for both of you. By combining fun activities like games and apps with meaningful parental involvement and professional support from online reading tutors, you’ll give your child the tools they need to succeed.

Remember, every child learns at their own pace, so celebrate small victories along the way!

Ready to take the next step? Savvy Learning’s online reading tutors are here to provide expert, personalized guidance tailored to your child’s needs. Together, let’s make reading an exciting journey they’ll love for a lifetime!

 

author avatar
Robin Armstrong Coach
Robin Armstrong, an educator since 2008, specializes in reading, writing, phonics, math, and STEM for young learners. As an online coach with Savvy Learning, she combines her expertise with tailored support, empowering students to achieve academic success and build lasting confidence that enriches their daily lives.
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