The Active Reader

If my child hated reading, this is exactly where I’d start.

I wouldn’t push harder books.

I wouldn’t force long reading sessions.

And I wouldn’t make reading feel like a battle.

First, I’d figure out why reading feels hard.

Are they struggling with:
✔️ letter sounds
✔️ blending
✔️ fluency
✔️ confidence

Then I’d go back and focus on the missing skill.

I’d keep practice short and manageable.

I’d bring in more games, movement, and hands-on learning.

I’d continue reading aloud to them so they still experience the joy of stories.

And I’d make books feel special again.
- Visit a bookstore.
- Browse the library.
- Let them choose books that excite them.

Because building reading skills matters, but so does protecting their love of books.

Confidence grows when children feel successful.

If I could start teaching my own children to read all over again… this is exactly where I’d begin.

I’m Rebecca, a certified teacher, literacy specialist, and mom of two.
Over the last 6 years, I’ve helped hundreds of children and struggling readers learn how to read.

And if I could go back and start from the very beginning with my own kids, I’d focus on building strong foundations first.

That would look like:

✔️ Daily story time - Reading aloud builds vocabulary, language, attention, and a love of books.

✔️ Letter sounds through play - During play, focus on one sound and introduce the letter that makes that sound. You can use The Early Reader Pack cards alongside natural play activities.

✔️ Playing with sounds - Rhyming, syllable clapping, blending sounds, and breaking words apart.

✔️ Tactile tracing - Using The Early Reader Pack to trace letters while practicing sounds.

✔️ Fine motor development - Cutting, coloring, playdough, painting, and building all help prepare little hands for writing.

✔️ Blending simple words - Using The Early Reader Pack cards to blend simple words like cat, map, and sit.

✔️ Decodable books - When they’re ready, I’d use books that help children practice decoding, not guessing.

And most importantly? I wouldn’t rush it.

Children need strong foundations before fluent reading becomes easier.

Save this if you’re wondering where to begin.