What Makes Reading Instruction Effective?
Educators often use science-based reading programs built around the “Five Pillars of Reading Instruction,” first outlined in the National Reading Panel’s 2000 report, Teaching Children to Read. These five essential components are:
- Phonemic awareness
- Phonics (Decoding)
- Fluency
- Vocabulary
- Comprehension
Effective reading programs are built on these foundational skills—and parents can support them at home in a simple but meaningful way.
3 Ways Parents Can Support Reading at Home
1. 📚 Build a Home Library
Create a reading-friendly environment by keeping a variety of age-appropriate and high-interest books within easy reach.
A helpful tool for selecting the right book is the Five Finger Rule:
- Have your child read a page of a book.
- If they miss five or more words, it may be too challenging for independent reading.
- That doesn’t mean it’s off-limits—read it together!
Providing access to a range of books gives your child the freedom to explore their interests while developing reading confidence.
2. 🛋️ Read Together Every Day
Make reading a daily habit. Choose a cozy spot, snuggle up, and enjoy a book together. This simple routine builds both literacy skills and your relationship.
While reading, engage your child with open-ended questions like:
- “What do you think will happen next?”
- “If you were [character’s name], what would you do?”
- “How would you change the ending of the story?”
These questions help your child think critically and connect personally with the story.
Some of my favorite memories from when my children were younger involve our daily reading time. We often returned to favorites like Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and P.D. Eastman’s Go, Dog. Go!*
3. 📖 Make Library Visits a Routine
Your local public library is a fantastic (and free!) resource. Take regular trips to explore new books and let your child choose ones that interest them.
Encourage independence by helping your child sign up for their own library card. This small act reinforces the idea that reading is not just important—it’s fun and empowering.
Final Thoughts
The time you spend reading with your child is one of the most meaningful investments you can make in their future. It boosts their literacy, strengthens your bond, and creates cherished memories.
Helping your child fall in love with reading is a gift they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.