How Most Children Learn to Read

Most children learn to read by reading aloud with a parent or other trusted adult. Reading aloud with a parent or other trusted adult helps children develop a love of books and a lifelong habit of reading. Reading aloud also encourages children to sound out words and practice word recognition.

Many children start reading by following sound cues from a parent or other trusted adult. For example, a child might hear the sound “s” and start reading the word “dog.” Other sound cues might include saying the name of a character or the beginning of a story.

Many children also learn to read by reading from a book. Reading from a book allows children to explore the pictures and words on each page. Reading from a book also helps children develop a love of reading and a lifelong habit of reading.

Some children learn to read by playing with reading materials. For example, a child might play “read-aloud” games with flashcards or books. Playing “read-aloud” games with flashcards or books helps children develop a love of reading and a lifelong habit of reading.