June 2, 2023

5 Reasons Parents May Not Be Involved in Their Child’s Reading Development

There are many reasons why some parents may not be involved in their child’s reading development, even though reading proficiency is on the decline. Here are a few possible reasons:

  • Limited Time: Many parents may feel overwhelmed with their own work and family responsibilities, leaving little time for additional activities like reading with their child. Additionally, some parents may work multiple jobs or have other commitments that limit their availability.

  • Lack of Knowledge or Confidence: Some parents may not feel comfortable helping their child with reading because they themselves struggle with reading or feel that they lack the necessary knowledge or skills to effectively support their child’s learning.

  • Lack of Resources: Some families may not have access to the necessary resources, such as books, technology, or educational programs, to effectively support their child’s reading development.

  • Language Barriers: For families where English is not the primary language spoken at home, parents may struggle to support their child’s reading development in English, particularly if they are not proficient in the language themselves.

  • School-Related Factors: Finally, some parents may not be aware of the importance of reading development or may not be receiving clear communication from schools about how they can support their child’s learning at home.

It’s important to note that these factors are complex and can vary depending on individual circumstances. However, by working to address these barriers, schools and communities can support parents in their efforts to promote reading development and improve literacy outcomes for children.

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Reading Resources For Early Childhood Parents

rEADING A BOOK

Parents should not leave the job of reading solely to schools. While schools play a significant role in a child’s education, parents are also a crucial part of their child’s learning and development. Here are a few reasons why?


Parental Involvement Enhances Learning: Research has consistently shown that parental involvement in their child’s education is linked to better academic outcomes for students. When parents are involved in their child’s learning and development, it can reinforce the skills and knowledge that their child is learning in school and help them make connections between school and home.

Reinforcement of Learning: Children need ongoing practice and reinforcement of skills and knowledge in order to master them. By providing opportunities for their child to practice reading skills and encouraging a love of reading, parents can reinforce what their child is learning in school and help them develop a strong foundation for future learning.

Holistic Development: Schools often focus on academic skills, but parents can support their child’s holistic development by fostering social-emotional skills, creativity, and other areas of development. This can include reading books with diverse characters and themes, encouraging imaginative play, and engaging in conversations with their child about their feelings and experiences.

Collaborating with Schools: Parental involvement can also lead to better collaboration between parents and schools. By staying informed about their child’s progress and communicating regularly with teachers, parents can work together with schools to support their child’s learning and development.

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Ready For First Grade?

As the end of the school year approaches, parents of kindergartners may be wondering if their child is ready to move on to first grade. One of the most important skills that kids need to master in kindergarten is reading. First-grade curriculum builds on the foundation laid in kindergarten, so it’s crucial that your child has the reading skills necessary to succeed. Here are some things to consider when determining if your child is ready for first-grade reading:


Phonemic Awareness: Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words. Your child should be able to identify and isolate beginning, middle, and ending sounds in words.
Letter Recognition: Children need to be able to recognize the letters of the alphabet and the sounds that they make. They should be able to identify both uppercase and lowercase letters.

Sight Words: Sight words are high-frequency words that children should be able to recognize on sight, without having to sound them out. Your child should be able to read and spell basic sight words such as “the,” “and,” “is,” and “was.”

Reading Comprehension: involves understanding what is being read. Your child should be able to retell a story in their own words, answer questions about a story, and make connections between what they are reading and their own experiences.

Fluency: Fluency is the ability to read smoothly, with accuracy and expression. Your child should be able to read simple texts with appropriate phrasing, pacing, and intonation. If your child is struggling with any of these skills, it’s important to work with their teacher to develop a plan to address these areas of weakness. Summer break can be a great time to reinforce reading skills with your child through fun, engaging activities such as reading together, playing word games, and visiting the library.


Kindergarten is a critical time for building the reading skills that will set your child up for success in first grade and beyond. By ensuring that your child has mastered the essential reading skills, you can help them start their academic journey on the right foot. Remember to stay involved in your child’s education, and work with their teacher to provide the support they need to thrive.

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