One of the most common questions parents ask about homeschooling is, “Can I really teach my child to read?” The task can feel overwhelming, even daunting, especially for those who don’t consider themselves natural teachers. But as three homeschooling moms—Maggie, Christina, and June—discuss in this heartfelt conversation, teaching your child to read is not only possible, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your parenting journey. Let’s walk through their insights and tips for making reading instruction a joyful, memorable process.

This is just part of a longer conversation between these homeschooling moms. You can read all the interview articles on our blog, or view the video interviews in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Yes, You Can Teach Your Child to Read!

Overcoming Doubts and Fears

The conversation opens with an encouraging reminder that parents can teach their children to read. “It takes patience,” Maggie admits, but it is immensely rewarding. Christina adds that while many moms worry they might “ruin” their child’s learning or cause permanent harm, the reality is that the journey to literacy is achievable, and it doesn’t require a teaching degree. “There are programs that clearly lay it out and tell you exactly what to say, step by step,” she assures.

Why Phonics is Essential

Maggie strongly advocates for a phonics-based approach to reading. She explains that unlike sight-word methods, phonics teaches children the sounds that letters and letter combinations make. “Our English language has 44 sounds,” she says, and phonics enables children to decode words based on these sounds rather than memorizing endless lists of words. This foundational approach allows children to read a much broader range of words, providing them with the tools they need to become confident readers.

Making Reading a Delightful Experience

Small, Consistent Steps

Christina highlights the importance of short, daily reading sessions for young learners. “Just give them a little snippet and be consistent,” she advises. These brief, positive experiences help children build confidence without becoming overwhelmed. Maggie agrees and emphasizes the importance of taking cues from your child: “If their energy is lagging, just put it away and start again the next day.”

The Role of Family Reading Time

Creating a reading-rich environment at home can set the stage for a love of learning. Maggie suggests that families “read, read, read” together to make reading feel like a special, cozy activity rather than a chore. Christina describes reading time as a “treat” that children look forward to, fostering a love for stories and knowledge long before formal reading instruction begins.

For parents wondering how to choose books, Maggie recommends filling your home with high-quality literature and avoiding overly simplified or “twaddly” content. Sharing beautiful stories with your child creates positive associations with reading, making them eager to learn to read on their own.

Recognizing When Your Child is Ready

Signs of Reading Readiness

One of the biggest challenges for parents is figuring out when their child is ready to learn to read. As June puts it, some children may not respond well to structured lessons at a young age. “I’ve had a range of when my children were ready,” she notes, emphasizing that readiness varies widely. Some kids may show early interest, while others need more time to develop the visual and cognitive skills required for reading.

A good way to gauge readiness is to watch for curiosity. If your child starts asking questions like, “What does this word say?” or begins sounding out letters, that’s a strong indicator they’re ready to start. But as June emphasizes, there’s no need to rush. A child who struggles with letter recognition or gets frustrated easily may need more time before diving into formal reading lessons.

Adapting for Different Learning Styles

Children don’t all learn to read the same way. June shares that one of her sons struggled with distinguishing similar letters like “b,” “p,” “d,” and “q.” For him, reading was like “climbing a rock wall,” and they had to pace their approach to match his learning style. Understanding that some children—particularly boys—may be slower to develop certain literacy skills can help parents approach reading instruction with patience and empathy.

Practical Tips and Tools for Teaching Reading

Using Manipulatives and Multi-Sensory Techniques

For hands-on learners, traditional book-based methods may not be enough. Maggie and Christina suggest using tactile manipulatives like magnetic letters that children can move around to form words. “You’re actually touching letters,” Christina explains, which can make the learning process more engaging, especially for children who struggle with pencil-and-paper activities. This hands-on approach can be a great alternative for children who aren’t yet ready to write but are excited to start spelling and reading.

Making it Fun and Personal

June shares how she created a puppet named “High Hat” who helped introduce letter sounds to her children. “You don’t need an expensive program to make reading fun,” she says. By incorporating creativity and a bit of flair, parents can make reading lessons enjoyable and engaging, which helps children associate learning with play. Christina also uses a program that teaches letter sounds through song, which is perfect for her musically inclined children.

Maggie emphasizes that reading instruction can be an enjoyable and relational activity. She has fond memories of making “family houses” with her children to learn phonics families like “-an” (fan, man, pan), which her kids loved.

Pacing Your Child and Embracing the Journey

Avoiding Comparison

It’s easy to worry when one child learns to read quickly while another struggles, but the moms encourage parents to pace their teaching according to each child’s needs. As June points out, “Learning to read doesn’t have a magic age.” Some children may become proficient readers by age five, while others may need a few extra years to reach the same level. By letting go of timelines and expectations, parents can focus on making reading a positive, pressure-free experience.

A Joyful, Relational Approach

Maggie and June both believe that the attitude parents bring to reading instruction makes a huge difference. Maggie shares how she reassured her children, telling them, “There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be than right here with you.” June adds that a love for reading grows over time, as parents work through each step with their children. For her, teaching reading started as a duty, but it gradually turned into a joyful shared experience as she witnessed her children’s excitement and progress.

Don’t Worry if the Spark Takes Time

For parents who worry they don’t have an innate enthusiasm for teaching reading, Maggie and Christina offer reassurance. “The spark grows,” Maggie says. The joy of watching a child sound out their first words or tackle a new book together builds over time, even for parents who don’t initially see themselves as “reading teachers.”

Teaching Reading is About More Than Just Literacy

The Gift of Time Together

Perhaps the most important takeaway from these moms is that teaching your child to read is not just about literacy; it’s about building a close relationship. Sitting together on the couch, navigating new words, and celebrating small victories become precious memories. Christina describes it as “a sweet time,” where parents and children bond over a shared experience of discovery and growth.

A Foundation for Lifelong Learning

For many parents, teaching reading represents the beginning of a lifelong learning journey. As children become independent readers, they gain access to a world of knowledge and imagination. And as they progress, parents can feel proud knowing they played a foundational role in helping their child reach this milestone.

In the end, the moms all agree on one thing: teaching your child to read is challenging, but it is also deeply fulfilling. With patience, love, and a few creative tools, you can teach your child to read—and along the way, you’ll build a bond that will last a lifetime.

Enjoy the entire conversation between these homeschooling moms in our How I Homeschool course, available for free on My Compass Classroom.

Need some help and encouragement to take these steps in your own homeschool? Christina, one of the moms from the interview above, would love to come alongside you for help and encouragement. Book a one-on-one appointment with her or one of our other veteran moms—no long-term commitment is needed. Learn more about our coaching services.