Why Teaching Reading May Be the Best Part of Homeschooling

There’s nothing quite like the moment your child sounds out their first word—or finishes a whole book with a proud grin. Teaching reading at home isn’t just rewarding—it’s kind of electrifying. So, how do you spark a love of reading that lasts? Here’s how to make the most of this incredible journey:

1. Make Reading Rewarding from the Start

Whether your child races ahead or takes their sweet time, make reading feel awesome. Your goal? Let him discover that books are exciting, not just “schoolwork.”

  • Use the readers in your kit and pile on library books that match your child’s interests.
  • Celebrate the little wins—stickers, a favorite snack, or even a happy dance can do wonders.
  • The sooner your child realizes reading unlocks fun, the faster he’ll fall in love with it.

2. Don’t Stop Reading Aloud

Just because your child learns to read doesn’t mean it’s time to retire your story voice. Keep reading aloud. Keep the spark alive.

  • Pick books they’re excited about and read together—snuggles optional but recommended.
  • Ask silly questions, act out voices, and bring the story to life.
  • Need a challenge? Flip to the Reading Challenge in your handbook and level up your read-aloud routine.

3. Show Them You’re a Reader Too

If your child never sees you reading, they might think it’s just a kid thing—like nap time or juice boxes.

  • Keep a book nearby and sneak in a few pages while they build with blocks or finish math.
  • Talk about what you’re reading and why you like it. Bonus points if it’s not a cookbook or instruction manual.

4. Track Progress (Because It’s There!)

Learning to read is like growing an avocado tree—slow and subtle… until suddenly, boom, it’s happening!

  • Film a quick video of your child reading once a month. Watching that progress back can feel like a victory montage.
  • Flip through old readers together and let your child laugh at how “hard” those easy pages used to be.

5. Get a Fidget—For You

We’ll say it: waiting for your child to remember that “B” says “buh” can be… character-building.

  • Keep your cool (and your hands busy) with knitting, coloring, or sticker-by-number books.
  • Staying calm helps your child stay confident—and keeps reading time from turning into meltdown hour.

6. Don’t Rush Writing

Reading and writing don’t always hold hands. Some kids are ready to read complete sentences but struggle to hold a pencil straight.

  • If writing is frustrating, let him dictate while you scribble. Keep the focus on ideas, not handwriting perfection.
  • We include a handwriting book because science says writing boosts memory. Start with a few minutes a day. Build from there. High fives are always welcome.

7. Sneak in Motor Memory Fun

Want to teach writing without sitting at a desk? Great! Kids learn with their whole bodies—so let them get messy.

  • Trace letters in flour, salt, or shaving cream.
  • Squish play dough into alphabet shapes.
  • Use chalkboards, windows, or whiteboards for jumbo writing practice.
  • Keep fun supplies nearby—colored pencils, blank cards, markers—and let creativity lead the way.

Enjoy the Ride

You’re not just teaching reading—you’re unlocking whole new worlds. Books will open doors to imagination, adventure, and lifelong curiosity. So take your time. Laugh through the hard parts. Celebrate wildly when it clicks.

Because this? This is the good stuff.

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