Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about phonics, beginning reading, or choosing the right workbook? You’re not alone. Below are answers to some of the questions parents ask most often.
How do I know if my child is ready to read?
Every child develops at a different pace, but many children are ready to begin learning to read when they recognize some letters, know several letter sounds, enjoy listening to books, and show an interest in words and print. Reading readiness depends on skills, not age, so it’s important to meet your child where they are.
What age should my child learn to read?
There is no single “right” age to learn to read. Some children are ready before kindergarten, while others need more time. The best approach is to focus on building strong phonics skills and reading confidence at your child’s own pace rather than comparing them to others.
What is phonics?
Phonics is a method of teaching reading by helping children connect letters with the sounds they represent. As children learn letter sounds, they begin blending those sounds together to read words. Strong phonics instruction builds the foundation for successful reading.
Why is phonics important?
Research consistently shows that systematic phonics instruction helps children become accurate and confident readers. Learning phonics gives children the tools they need to decode unfamiliar words instead of relying on memorization.
Should I teach letter sounds or letter names first?
Children benefit from learning both letter names and letter sounds, but letter sounds are especially important because they are needed for reading words. Once children know the sounds letters make, they can begin blending sounds together to read simple words.
How do I teach my child letter sounds?
Introduce a few letter sounds at a time using short, engaging practice sessions. Pronounce each letter sound clearly without adding an extra vowel sound, practice finding letters in books and around the house, review previously learned sounds often, and begin blending sounds into simple words as your child progresses. Keep practice fun and consistent.
What are CVC words?
CVC stands for consonant-vowel-consonant. Words like cat, dog, sun, and pig are CVC words. These simple words are often among the first words children learn to read because they allow beginning readers to practice blending letter sounds together.
What is blending in reading?
Blending is the process of smoothly putting individual letter sounds together to read a word. For example, the sounds /c/ /a/ /t/ are blended to read the word “cat.” Blending is one of the most important early reading skills.
What is the best order to teach phonics?
Many children benefit from learning phonics in a structured sequence:
- Letter names and letter sounds
- VC and CVC words
- Blends and digraphs
- Silent e
- Long vowel teams
- R-controlled vowels
- Diphthongs
- Multisyllable words
Teaching phonics in a logical order helps children build confidence as each new skill builds on previous learning.
How long should my child practice reading each day?
Daily practice is ideal for beginning readers. Aim for about 15–20 minutes of focused practice each day, or at least every other day if your schedule is busy. End each session while your child is still engaged and feeling successful.
What should I do if my child is struggling to read?
If your child is struggling, slow down and review previously learned skills before introducing something new. Celebrate small successes, provide plenty of encouragement, and keep practice positive. Every child learns at a different pace, and confidence grows with consistent practice.
How can I help my child learn to read at home?
Read aloud every day, practice phonics skills regularly, play simple word games, and provide opportunities to read together. Consistent practice and encouragement at home can make a meaningful difference in your child’s reading development.
What are decodable books?
Decodable books are designed to include words that match the phonics skills a child has already learned. This allows beginning readers to practice decoding words independently while building confidence and fluency.
Are the Building Strong Readers workbooks a complete reading curriculum?
The Building Strong Readers workbooks are structured, phonics-based reading resources that can be used as a stand-alone program or alongside another curriculum. Each workbook focuses on a specific set of phonics skills and includes clear directions, guided practice, and review activities.
Which phonics workbook should my child start with?
Choose the workbook that matches your child’s current reading skills rather than age. For example, a child who already knows letter names and sounds may be ready for Book 2, while a child who still needs to strengthen foundational phonics skills may benefit from beginning with an earlier workbook before moving on.
Not sure where to begin? Visit the Workbooks page to read detailed descriptions of each book and the phonics skills covered. This can help you choose the best starting point for your child.