How to Teach Reading in Homeschool: Best Resources

How to teach reading in homeschool is a question that I ponder almost every year. I have been homeschooling for 11 years and am teaching my 5th and 6th children to read this year. Teaching reading in homeschool has been a journey full of triumphs, struggles, and invaluable lessons.

My Personal Journey with Teaching Reading in Homeschool

First Attempts: Tears and Lessons Learned

With my first son, there were a lot of tears—his and mine—as he learned how to read. I pushed too hard, being new to homeschooling, and felt like if he couldn’t read at 5 years old, maybe I wasn’t cut out for this.

With my second son, there were some tears too, but he learned to read on grade level by 2nd grade. By the time I taught my third and fourth sons, the process became smoother, and there were no tears. Each child is different, and this diversity has taught me patience and adaptability.

Current Struggles and Triumphs

My fifth child is struggling. She is in 2nd grade and probably about a year “behind.” There are frustration tears, but I’m okay with where she’s at. She’s making progress, and I’m so glad she’s with me at home rather than in a school setting where she might feel bad about herself. We will get there together.

My sixth child is in Pre-K and seems eager to learn. She has joined her sister’s lessons and has absorbed a lot just by listening in.

How to Teach Reading in Homeschool

Show Up Consistently

This is how I teach reading: Moms (or Dads), just show up. Every. Single. Day. Teach phonics or sight words. Use real books, Bob Books, easy readers, The Bible, or encyclopedias. Tandem read. Use a reading app. Use a curriculum. Take a break from a curriculum. Just show up.

It sounds simple, but it’s not. Especially when there are struggles, reading can feel like the last thing you want to do with your young child. Homeschooling is supposed to be fun, right? But teaching reading in homeschool requires consistency, especially during challenging times.

A wise person once told me, God doesn’t just give you patience. He gives you opportunities to practice being patient. You’ll need to practice patience when teaching reading, but the rewards are worth it.

Patience is Key

Teaching reading takes years—sometimes more. It can be hard to know where to start. Since you’ll be at this for a while (especially if you have multiple kids), having the right tools and resources can make the process more enjoyable and effective.

Resources to Teach Reading in Homeschool

The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading

I have used The Ordinary Parent’s Guide to Teaching Reading my first two boys and am now using with my 2nd-grade daughter. It’s a phonetic approach, perfect for new reading teachers, with lessons lasting only 5-10 minutes. It’s excellent for young or struggling readers.

Bob Books

No matter what curriculum or method you use, Bob Books are great supplements. They progress at the right pace, are just the right length, and include funny plots and pictures to keep kids engaged. They’re perfect for building confidence.

McGuffey’s Readers

These classic readers were likely used by your grandparents and great-grandparents. Start with the primer for Kindergarten or First Grade. McGuffey’s Readers progress quickly and include wholesome stories with good morals. These are homeschooling gems, complete with cursive copy work assignments for additional practice.

Memoria Press First Start Reading Program

Memoria Press’s First Start Reading program is excellent for getting kids to read real books quickly. It’s designed for kindergarten and early first grade, though it moved too fast for my daughter. My third and fourth children excelled with it. I use Memoria Press for the bulk of my children’s homeschool education. Everything they produce is excellent.

Reading Apps to Teach Reading in Homeschool

Reading Eggs

Reading Eggs is an app that teaches letter sounds and beginner reading skills. It includes a math program called Math Seeds as part of the subscription. My daughters enjoy using it, and a free trial is available.

“>Hooked on Phonics

“>Hooked on Phonics has been around for years and is a proven resource for teaching reading. It’s available as an app or computer program. We use it on our desktop for extra practice, and it also includes a math supplement and free trial. Click here to give it a try!

Readability

Readability is another excellent reading app designed to improve fluency, comprehension, and confidence in young readers. The app offers personalized reading practice and real-time feedback, making it a great supplement to your homeschool curriculum. Its engaging content and interactive features keep children motivated. Ready to give it a try? Click here to sign up for Readability using my affiliate link and start your free trial today!

Why Teaching Reading in Homeschool is Worth It

Even though teaching reading requires perseverance and patience, it is incredibly rewarding. Snuggling on the couch with your child, reading stories, and witnessing their progress is an amazing experience. In the grand scheme of things, this phase is short-lived. Before you know it, your children will move on to chapter books and no longer need phonics or sight word practice.

Final Thoughts

Teaching reading in homeschool is a labor of love. It’s a journey of patience, determination, and joy. Remember, every child learns at their own pace. Celebrate their successes, big and small, and cherish this special time together.

Happy Homeschooling!

Ready to have your best homeschooling year ever? Check this out: Tips for Homeschool Success: 26 Proven Strategies

More reading help:

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