Parent Resources
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Supporting Reading Success at Home
Strong readers develop skills in five essential areas:
- Phonics
- High-Frequency Words
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Each section below explains the skill and provides simple activities families can use at home.
1. Phonics
What Is Phonics?
Phonics is understanding the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent.
Phonics includes:
- Recognizing sound-letter patterns
- Understanding syllable patterns
- Identifying prefixes, suffixes, and root words
At-Home Phonics Activities
Make Blend Sounds
Say a blend (like /bl/) and have your child write the letters that match the sound.
Sound and Blend
Say each sound separately (sss–aaa–t), then blend them together (sat).
Word Hunts
Choose a blend (like “bl”) and find five objects that begin with that sound.
Writing Notes
Encourage your child to write notes or letters. Focus on sounding out words rather than perfect spelling.
Look for Familiar Parts
Break longer words into parts:
- pre-
- sent
- -ing
2. High-Frequency Words
What Are High-Frequency Words?
High-frequency words appear often in text and may not always follow phonics rules.
Examples:
- I
- we
- up
- look
Repeated exposure helps children recognize these words automatically.
At-Home High-Frequency Word Activities
- Create flashcards
- Play memory matching
- Make simple sentences using word cards
- Play bingo
- Use “funny voices” while reading word cards
3. Fluency
What Is Fluency?
Fluency is reading with:
- Accuracy
- Appropriate speed
- Expression
- Attention to punctuation
Fluency Checklist
A fluent reader:
- Reads words correctly
- Reads at a steady pace
- Uses expression
- Follows punctuation
At-Home Fluency Activities
Repeated Reading
Read a short passage multiple times:
- Adult models
- Read together
- Child reads independently
- Child reads again with expression
Use Different Voices
Read in a mouse voice, cowboy voice, or excited voice.
Record and Listen
Record your child reading. Listen together and discuss improvements.
Read to an Audience
Encourage reading to stuffed animals, pets, or family members.
4. Vocabulary
What Is Vocabulary?
Vocabulary is knowledge of word meanings.
Receptive Vocabulary
Words we understand when we hear or read them.
Expressive Vocabulary
Words we use in speaking and writing.
At-Home Vocabulary Activities
Read Aloud
Choose books slightly above your child’s reading level to introduce richer vocabulary.
Preview Words
Before reading, choose two unfamiliar words and explain their meanings.
Play “Hot Potato”
Take turns saying:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Words with the same prefix or suffix
- Words in a category
Word Collecting
Have family members share interesting words they heard during the day.
Expand Topic Vocabulary
After reading about a topic, list related words together.
5. Comprehension
What Is Comprehension?
Comprehension is understanding and making meaning from text.
It includes:
- Identifying main ideas
- Understanding characters and setting
- Retelling events
- Making predictions
- Drawing conclusions
At-Home Comprehension Activities
Ask Questions
Use who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Before Reading
Ask:
“What do you think will happen?”During Reading
Pause and ask:
“What has happened so far?”
“What might happen next?”After Reading
Ask:
“What was this mostly about?”
“What was your favorite part?”Make Connections
“How does this story relate to your life?”
Putting It All Together
Reading is like building a house:
- Phonics is the foundation (sound-letter knowledge).
- High-frequency words are the bricks seen over and over.
- Fluency is how smoothly the house functions.
- Vocabulary fills the rooms with meaning.
- Comprehension is understanding how everything fits together.
When all five work together, strong reading happens.
Tips for Families
- Keep reading time positive and consistent.
- Short daily practice (10–15 minutes) is powerful.
- Celebrate effort, not perfection.
Talk about books often.
- Phonics
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Phonics Activities Guide
What Is Phonics?
Phonics is the ability to understand the relationship between letters and the sounds they represent.
Phonics skills include:
- Recognizing print patterns that represent sounds
- Understanding syllable patterns
- Identifying word parts (prefixes, suffixes, and root words)
Common Consonant Digraphs and Blends
bl, br, ch, ck, cl, cr, dr, fl, fr, gh, gl, gr, ng, ph, pl, pr, qu, sc, sh, sk, sl, sm, sn, sp, st, sw, th, tr, tw, wh, wr
Common Consonant Trigraphs
nth, sch, shr, spl, spr, squ, str, thr
Common Vowel Digraphs
ai, au, aw, ay, ea, ee, ei, eu, ew, ey, ie, oi, oo, ou, ow, oy
Phonics Activities
Make Blend Sounds
Say blend sounds aloud and have your child write the letters that match the sounds they hear.
Example:
If you say the sound /bl/, your child writes b-l.
Play Sound and Syllable Word Games
Play games that connect sounds with syllables and words.
Example:
If the letters l-a-t-e-r spell later,- How do you spell hater?
- How many syllables are in later?
This strengthens sound-symbol connections and syllable awareness.
Writing Words
Writing is a powerful way to reinforce phonics skills.
Try:
- Sending notes in your child’s backpack
- Leaving notes on their pillow
- Having relatives send letters or emails
Encourage your child to write back.
Do not worry about perfect spelling. Instead, encourage your child to:
- Sound out words
- Write the sounds they hear
- Do their best independently
Hunting for Words
Choose a blend and have your child find five items that begin with that sound.
As each object is found, help your child write the word on a list.
Example:
If the target sound is bl, your child might write:- blanket
- blood
- blue
- blizzard
- blast
Hints for Helping Your Child Sound Out Words
First Sound Strategy
- Say the first sound in the word.
- Make a guess based on the picture or surrounding words.
- Double-check the printed word to confirm the guess.
Sound and Blend Strategy
- Say each sound separately (example: sss–aaa–t).
- Then blend the sounds together to say the word (sat).
This process is called:
- Sounding it out (isolating sounds)
- Blending (combining sounds smoothly)
Look for Familiar Parts
When reading longer words, encourage your child to look for parts they already know.
Example:
In the word presenting, your child may recognize:- The prefix pre-
- The base word sent
- The ending -ing
Breaking words into known parts makes reading more manageable.
Play Memory or Go Fish
Create card games using:
- Consonant digraphs
- Vowel digraphs
- Trigraphs
- Blends
Matching games reinforce sound patterns in a fun, low-pressure way.
- Recognizing print patterns that represent sounds
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High-Frequency Words
What Are High-Frequency Words?
High-frequency words are words that appear often in written English. Many of these words are not easy to “sound out” in the early stages of reading instruction.
Because students see these words so often, recognizing them quickly helps build reading fluency and confidence.
High-frequency words are essential for:
- Reading smoothly and accurately
- Understanding text more easily
- Building strong foundational literacy skills
Repeated exposure and practice help students recognize these words automatically.
Examples of High-Frequency Words
- I
- up
- look
- we
High-Frequency Word Activities
The following activities help students practice and retain high-frequency words in meaningful ways.
1. Word Books
Students can create and maintain a personal word book.
Materials needed:
- Folded and stapled construction paper or white paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or markers
Students add new high-frequency words to their books and use them as a reference when reading new texts.
2. Word Detective
Invite students to become “high-frequency word detectives.”
Students search for assigned words in:
- Books
- Magazines
- Signs
- Everyday print materials
This activity builds awareness that reading happens everywhere.
3. Word Games
Games make practice engaging and effective.
Bingo:
Call out high-frequency words and have students identify and cover the matching word on their card.Other simple games include:
- Hangman
- Matching games
- Partner word challenges
Monitor to ensure students are recognizing the words correctly.
4. Flashcard Activities
Create flashcards using high-frequency words.
Students can:
- Practice independently
- Work with a partner
- Use them during small group instruction
(Refer to grade-level word lists as appropriate.)
5. Memory Match
Create two cards for each high-frequency word.
Lay cards face down and take turns flipping over two at a time to find matching words.
This strengthens word recognition through repetition.
6. Funny Voices
Flash a word card and have the student read the word using different voices, such as:
- Robot voice
- Old voice
- Squeaky voice
- Monster voice
This keeps repetition fun while reinforcing recognition.
7. Making Sentences
Provide students with high-frequency word flashcards.
Encourage them to:
- Combine words
- Create simple sentences
- Read their sentences aloud
This builds both word recognition and sentence structure skills.
- Reading smoothly and accurately
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Fluency
What Is Fluency?
Fluency is the ability to read with sufficient speed and accuracy to support understanding.
Fluent reading includes:
- Automatic word recognition
- Accurate word recognition
- Appropriate expression while reading
Fluency Checklist
A fluent reader:
- Accuracy: Reads the words correctly
- Rate: Reads at an appropriate pace (not too fast and not too slow)
- Expression: Reads with feeling and does not sound robotic
- Punctuation: Follows most or all punctuation marks while reading
Fluency Activities
Repeated Reading
Choose a passage that is not too difficult for your child.
- Read the passage aloud to your child.
- Read the passage together, helping with tricky words.
- Have your child read the passage aloud, focusing on accuracy.
- Have your child read it again, focusing on smoothness and expression.
The goal is for reading to sound natural and conversational.
Use Different Voices
When reading a familiar story or passage, encourage your child to use different voices.
Examples:
- Mouse voice
- Cowboy voice
- Princess voice
This adds fun while strengthening repeated reading practice.
Read to Different Audiences
Reading aloud is a way to communicate with an audience. When children know someone is listening, they are more likely to focus on fluency and expression.
Encourage reading to:
- Stuffed animals
- Pets
- Siblings
- Neighbors
- Grandparents
- Any willing listener
This helps build confidence and showcase progress.
Record the Reading
After practicing a passage:
- Have your child record their reading using a phone or other recording device.
- Listen to the recording together while following along in the text.
- Discuss what went well.
- Encourage re-recording to improve smoothness and expression.
Children often enjoy hearing their improvement.
Model Expression During Dialogue
When you read aloud:
- Use appropriate expression during dialogue.
- Encourage your child to mimic your tone.
- Discuss why a character might sound excited, worried, or surprised.
Example:
If a character is excited about going to the park, the voice should sound excited.Encourage your child to repeat key phrases or dialogue using expression.
Read Favorite Songs
Create simple books of favorite songs for your child to practice “reading.”
This:
- Builds confidence
- Strengthens phrasing
- Helps your child see themselves as a reader
Practice Poetry Together
Alternate reading favorite lines of a poem.
Your child will:
- Mimic your phrasing
- Match your expression
- Build fluency naturally through rhythm
- Automatic word recognition
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Vocabulary
What Is Vocabulary?
Vocabulary refers to a student’s knowledge of and memory for word meanings.
Vocabulary development includes two important areas:
Receptive Vocabulary
Words we understand when we hear them or read them.
Expressive Vocabulary
Words we know well enough to use correctly in speaking and writing.
Vocabulary Activities
Read Aloud
Continue reading aloud to your child even after they are able to read independently.
Choose books that are slightly above your child’s reading level. These books often contain richer and more advanced vocabulary.
Preview New Words
Before reading together:
- Scan the book.
- Select two words that may be interesting or unfamiliar.
- Tell your child the words and explain their meanings.
As you read, have your child listen for those words in the story.
Play “Hot Potato”
Synonyms and Antonyms
Choose a word. Take turns saying words with similar meanings (synonyms).
Example:
- You say: cold
- Your child says: freezing
- You say: chilly
Continue until no one can think of another word.
Then try using antonyms (opposites).
Prefixes and Suffixes
Play hot potato using word parts.
Common prefixes:
dis-, ex-, mis-, non-, pre-, re-, un-Common suffixes:
-able/-ible, -ed, -er, -est, -ful, -ish, -less, -ly, -ment, -nessTake turns saying words that use the same prefix or suffix.
Categories
Play hot potato using categories.
For younger children:
- Pets
- Clothing
- Family members
For older children:
- The Revolutionary War
- Astronomy
- Math vocabulary
Word Collecting
Encourage family members to listen for interesting words throughout the day.
At dinner or bedtime:
- Share the word collected
- Discuss what it means
If your child guesses incorrectly, guide them toward the correct meaning.
Try using the new word in conversation.
Play Categories
Name a topic such as “ecosystems.”
Ask your child to list as many related words as possible.
This strengthens word knowledge and topic understanding.
Expand Topic Vocabulary
After reading a book about a topic, ask your child to name words related to that topic.
Example:
If reading about dinosaurs, your child might say:- Tyrannosaurus Rex
- Paleontologist
- Herbivore
- Carnivore
- Fossil
Add additional vocabulary to expand their understanding.
- Scan the book.
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What Is Comprehension?
Comprehension is the ability to understand and draw meaning from text.
This includes the ability to:
- Pay attention to important information
- Interpret specific meanings in text
- Identify the main idea
- Provide verbal responses to questions
- Apply new information gained through reading
Important comprehension elements include:
- Plot
- Setting
- Genre
- Characters
- Order of events
- Point of view
Comprehension Activities
Sequencing Comics
Choose a comic strip from a Sunday newspaper. Cut out each square and mix them up. Have your child place the squares in the correct order and describe what is happening.
Encourage the use of sequencing words such as:
- First
- Second
- Next
- Finally
Everyday Comprehension
Ask your child “who, what, when, where, why, and how” questions about events in their day.
Once your child is comfortable answering these about personal experiences, ask the same types of questions about books you read together.
Reading Fiction
Before Reading
- Point out the title and author.
- Look at the cover illustration.
- Ask: “What do you think is going to happen in this story? Why?”
This helps set a purpose for reading.
During Reading
- Pause periodically and ask what has happened so far.
- Ask what your child predicts will happen next.
- Ask opinion questions such as:
- “Do you think the character made the right choice?”
- “How do you feel about that decision?”
- “Do you think the character made the right choice?”
- Explain unfamiliar vocabulary.
After Reading
- Ask your child to retell the story from beginning to end.
- Ask opinion questions such as:
- “What was your favorite part?”
- “Would you recommend this book to a friend?”
- “What was your favorite part?”
Reading Nonfiction
Before Reading
- Point out the title and author.
- Look at the cover.
- Ask: “What do you think you will learn about in this book?”
- Review the table of contents.
During Reading
Draw attention to:
- Captions
- Headings
- Sidebars
- Charts or diagrams
Young readers often overlook these text features, so model how they provide additional information.
After Reading
Ask:
- “What was this text mostly about?”
- “What do you still want to know?”
- “Where could you find out more information?”
Additional Comprehension Strategies
- Discuss story elements such as characters, problem, and solution.
- Ask about character traits. Example:
- “Which character was kind? How do you know?”
- “Which character was kind? How do you know?”
- Encourage predictions:
- “If the story continued, what might happen next?”
- “If the story continued, what might happen next?”
- Help your child make personal connections:
- “Does this story remind you of anything in your life?”
- “Does this story remind you of anything in your life?”
Additional Literary (Fiction) Questions
Setting
- What is the setting (time and place)?
- How is the setting important to the characters and events?
- What key details describe the setting?
Characters
- How would you describe the character(s)?
- What motivates the character?
- What is the character thinking or feeling?
- How do the character’s actions affect events?
- How does the character respond to challenges?
Sequence of Major Events
- What are the major events in the story?
- Describe important events using key details.
Plot
- Who are the characters?
- What are their goals?
- What is the problem?
- How is the problem solved?
- How does the story end?
Conclusions
- Recount the story accurately.
- What is the central message or theme?
- How do illustrations contribute to understanding?
Author’s Purpose
- Why did the author write this story?
- What is the author’s point of view?
- What literary devices were used?
- What is the mood or tone?
Connections
- Compare and contrast stories in the same genre.
- How does prior knowledge deepen understanding?
Additional Informational (Nonfiction) Questions
Main Topic
- What is this text mostly about?
- What are the key details that support the main topic?
Sequence of Information
- How does the author organize the information?
- Compare and contrast structure across texts.
Big Ideas and Key Details
- What are the most important ideas?
- Summarize what you learned.
Key Vocabulary
- What important words teach about the main topic?
- What do those words mean?
Conclusions
- What logical inferences can you make?
- What key details support understanding?
Author’s Purpose
- Why did the author write this text?
- What text features were included?
- How did the author use evidence to support points?
Connections
- Compare and contrast this topic with others.
Explain relationships between individuals, events, or ideas.
- Pay attention to important information