How to teach a child to read: where to start at 5–6

“We've been learning letters for six months and still can't read” — the phrase our teachers hear most often at trial lessons. Good news: it's almost never about the child. It's about the order of steps.

When to start

The sweet spot for meaningful reading is age 5–6, when phonemic awareness has formed: the child can hear which sounds make up a word. Easy check: ask for the first sound in “mom”. If they hear it — you're ready.

The biggest mistake

Teaching letter names instead of sounds. A child who learned “em-o-em” cannot blend “mom”. Teach sounds only — short and clean.

The right order

Vowels first — then first syllable pairs — then a few consonants and syllables with them — and only after confident syllables, short words. Rushing any step rolls back all the progress.

How much practice

10–15 minutes a day at home, or 25 minutes with a teacher 2–3 times a week. Consistency beats duration: five minutes daily works better than an hour on Saturdays.

Want a teacher to build this sequence for your child? Book a free trial lesson — in 25 minutes we'll assess the level and make a plan.