Best Practices for Teaching Reading and Literacy

16 April 2025

Let’s be real—teaching reading and literacy isn't just about handing kids a book and hoping for the best. Nope, it’s an art, a science, and, let’s face it, sometimes a test of patience. Whether you're dealing with eager beavers who devour words like snacks or reluctant readers who’d rather chew on their pencils, you need a game plan.

So, how do you turn students into lifelong readers without losing your sanity? Buckle up, because we’re diving into the best practices for teaching reading and literacy that actually work.

1. Create a Print-Rich Environment 📚

Imagine walking into a house with no furniture—feels empty, right? That’s how a classroom (or home) without books and printed material feels to a child. Kids need to be surrounded by words to develop literacy skills.

- Stock up on age-appropriate books, magazines, and posters.
- Label everyday objects (e.g., "Door," "Window," "Bookshelf")—yes, even the trash can!
- Have a word wall with new vocabulary words kids can see daily.

A room bursting with words is like a playground for young minds. The more they see, the more curious they’ll become.

2. Read Aloud (With Drama, Please!) 🎭

Reading aloud isn’t just about saying the words on a page—it’s about bringing them to life. If you’re droning on in monotone, don’t be surprised when kids start doodling instead of listening.

- Use different voices for characters. (Trust me, they LOVE this.)
- Change your pitch, tone, and speed to match the story’s mood.
- Pause for dramatic effect—let them hang onto every word.

Reading should feel like an adventure, not a chore. If you make it fun, kids will come back for more.

3. Encourage Daily Reading Time ⏳

Practice makes perfect, and reading is no exception. A daily reading habit is like a gym session for the brain—skip too many, and those skills get weak.

- Set aside at least 20 minutes a day for reading.
- Let kids choose books they enjoy (yes, even comic books count!).
- Pair younger readers with older students for buddy reading.

The key? Make reading a routine, not a random event. When it becomes second nature, kids grow into confident readers.

4. Teach Phonics, But Keep It Fun 🔠

Phonics isn’t just a buzzword–it’s the backbone of reading. Kids need to understand letter sounds to decode words. But let’s not turn this into a boring drill session.

- Play phonics games (ever tried I Spy with letter sounds?).
- Use songs and rhymes to teach vowel and consonant patterns.
- Let them "sound out" words instead of just memorizing them.

A solid phonics foundation makes reading easier. And when reading is easier, kids enjoy it more. Simple math, right?

5. Build Vocabulary Like a Boss 📖

Want to know a secret? Kids won’t love reading if they don’t know what half the words mean. Expanding vocabulary is key to literacy success.

- Introduce a “Word of the Day” challenge.
- Encourage journaling—writing helps reinforce new words.
- Use real-world connections ("We’re eating spaghetti—hey, that starts with ‘S’!").

A rich vocabulary turns reading from a guessing game into an exciting discovery.

6. Foster Comprehension Skills 🧐

Reading without understanding is like eating without tasting. No point, right? Kids need to get what they’re reading.

- Ask open-ended questions like, “Why do you think the character did that?”
- Use graphic organizers (think: Venn diagrams, story maps).
- Teach kids to make predictions and inferences while reading.

Comprehension isn’t automatic—it has to be nurtured. And when kids connect with what they read, they’re hooked for life.

7. Let Them Write, Write, Write ✍️

Reading and writing go together like peanut butter and jelly. One strengthens the other. If you want strong readers, get them writing too.

- Have students write their own stories or book reviews.
- Start a classroom blog or journal.
- Use creative writing prompts to spark imagination.

Writing helps kids process what they’ve read and builds a deeper understanding of language. Double win!

8. Embrace Technology (Yes, Really) 📱

Some folks fear that screens are killing reading, but used wisely, technology can actually boost literacy.

- Use e-books and audiobooks to support struggling readers.
- Try apps that build phonics and vocabulary skills.
- Encourage digital storytelling—kids love making their own interactive books.

Instead of fighting technology, make it work for you. If it gets kids excited about reading, why not use it?

9. Celebrate Reading Milestones 🎉

Progress deserves recognition! Celebrating literacy achievements keeps kids motivated.

- Create a reading reward chart.
- Host a “Reading Superstar” event.
- Let kids share their favorite books with classmates.

When reading feels rewarding, kids want to keep going. Simple but effective.

10. Be a Reading Role Model 📖

If you want kids to love reading, show them that you do too. Kids mimic what they see, so let them catch you reading.

- Share what you’re reading and why you love it.
- Bring books into everyday conversations.
- Read together as a family or classroom activity.

When kids see reading as something cool (and not just a school task), they naturally develop a love for it.

Final Thoughts

Teaching reading and literacy isn’t about forcing kids to decode words—it’s about opening doors to new worlds, ideas, and possibilities. Whether you're playing phonics games, acting out stories, or challenging kids to build their vocabulary, the ultimate goal is simple: make reading irresistible.

Because once a child falls in love with reading, there’s no stopping them. And isn’t that the dream?