When I first started figuring out how to teach my kids to read, I had no idea where to begin. But as I dove into the process with my daughter, I discovered the magic of word families and phonics. These simple tools have been a game-changer for us, and I’m so excited to share what I’ve learned so far.
Why Word Families Are Key in Teaching Phonics to Kids
When I say word families, I’m talking about groups of words that share the same ending sound, like cat, bat, and hat. They’re incredible for helping kids recognize patterns in language, which makes learning to read feel way less intimidating.
For example, once my daughter mastered the -at family, it was so easy for her to spot similar patterns in new words. It’s like giving them a secret code to unlock reading! If you’re wondering how to teach kids to read, this is such a powerful (and fun!) way to start.
The Brainstrong Letter Families Method
We’ve been using the Brainstrong Letter Families Cards from Amazon, and I love how their system is designed. Created by Dr. Derek Lester, it focuses on Short Vowels and CVC (Consonant-Vowel-Consonant) words. These are the essential building blocks for reading, and the cards guide us through a specific order that works. I also love these Brainstrong Sight Word Cards!
(by shopping through my Amazon links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps a lot and I appreciate your support!)
Here’s the sequence we’re following:
- Start Simple: ab, ad, ag, all, am, an, and, ap, ass, at
- Build On Confidence: ed, ell, en, ess, et, ig, ill, im, in, ip, it
- Challenge Them Gradually: og, op, ot, un, ump, unk, ust, ut
I stick to one family at a time, and we don’t move on until she feels confident. It’s been amazing to see her pick up on patterns naturally.
How I’m Teaching Phonics to My Daughter
If you’re working on teaching phonics to kids, here’s what’s been working for us:
1. Follow the Recommended Order
I love having a clear roadmap. Starting with easier word families builds confidence, which makes kids more excited to learn. We started with the -at family (cat, sat, bat) and added a new family each week.
2. Incorporate Visual Aids
Kids are visual learners, so adding pictures and colors helps everything click. I even created a free printable worksheet featuring graphics for the word families we’re working on. It’s been such a hit with my daughter, and you can grab it here.
3. Make It Playful
Games and activities make a world of difference. We play rhyming games, draw pictures for the words, and even create silly sentences. My daughter doesn’t even realize she’s learning because she’s having so much fun!
You May Also Like My Free Resources:
-ad Word Family Worksheets: Early Literacy Phonics Instruction
Free -ab Word Family Worksheets: Teach Kids How To Read
Tips on How to Teach Kids to Read at Home
- Start With Word Families: They’re simple, approachable, and build a strong foundation.
- Practice Daily: Consistency is key. Even 10–15 minutes a day makes a big impact.
- Use Phonics to Build Confidence: Phonics teaches kids how to decode words, which makes reading feel less intimidating.
- Focus on Short Vowel Sounds First: These are easier for beginners and set the stage for more complex words.
- Celebrate Every Success: Reading is hard work, and every little win deserves recognition!
Learning Together
Teaching my daughter to read has been such a rewarding (and sometimes challenging!) journey. If you’re wondering how to teach kids to read, just remember to keep it simple, follow a plan, and make it fun.
I’m so grateful for tools like the Brainstrong Letter Families and the progress we’re seeing with teaching phonics to kids. We’re not there yet, but every day, I see her confidence and skills growing, and it makes my heart so full.
Whether you’re just starting or already on this journey, I hope these tips inspire you. Reading is such a gift, and being part of this process with your child is truly magical!
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