Your child can sing the alphabet, recognise letters and maybe even write their name. But when you show them a simple word like CAT, they get stuck.
Sound familiar?
The reason is simple: knowing letter names is not the same as knowing how to read words.
Reading involves recognising letter sounds and blending them together.
3 Simple Activities to Try
1. Practise sounds, not only letter names
Instead of asking, "What's this letter called?" try asking, "What sound does this letter make?"
Start with familiar sounds like /m/, /s/ and /t/.
2. Play the blending game
Say /m/ /a/ /t/ slowly and help your child join the sounds into mat.
Try other simple words using sounds they've learned.
3. Introduce short decodable stories
Once your child can blend a few words, choose books containing familiar phonics patterns.
The Fitzroy Phonics Readers Stories 1–10 available at Vidya Vitran Learning offer structured reading practice through short stories.
When Should You Worry?
Children learn at different rates. But if your child continues to struggle despite suitable instruction and practice, speak with their teacher or a reading specialist.
Remember: The goal isn't to read the alphabet faster. It's to understand how letters work together to make words.
