How To Teach Your Child To Read (without a teaching degree!)
UPDATE - Looking for a Toddlers Can Read discount code? Unfortunately, code SONIA10 expired in December 2025. Any other Toddlers Can Read discount codes you find via Google search are fake and not created by the company.
For the past couple years, I recommended a very comprehensive online course (over $200) to teach your kids to read. Since then, I’ve taught both my kids to read, and realized maybe there’s a simpler path to take as your first step. And of course if you’re still feeling stuck after a couple months, you can purchase a course for more structured guidance.
So let me simplify the process for you in a way you might not have heard before.
Reading is made up of two parts.
Learning the 26 Letter Sounds
Can some letters make more than one sound? Yes. But we're just going to start with this 26, and I have another video on that.
Combine letter sounds together to form words. This is also called Blending.
Once they're able to do those two things, they'll be reading words like cat, bat, and those are the fundamentals of teaching reading.
In order to do this, you’ll need two main tools. A good quality set of ABC flashcards and decodable books. I recommend durable products that will stand the test of time instead of getting “Amazon cheapies.” I’ve linked my recommendations below.
Here are my favorites:
Toddlers Can Read ABC Flashcards
Toddlers Can Read Beginner Decodable Books
Once you’ve purchased those, follow my YouTube playlist to start teaching your child to read.
What if you get stuck?
No worries, I’ve got you. I know that each parent has different levels of experience when it comes to teaching their kids.
I’m going to give you a tip to prevent you from wasting time and money. You need to know where you’re getting stuck to ensure you get the right resources you need. As I said earlier, there are two main steps to teaching basic reading - learning letter sounds and then blending.
Having a hard time teaching the letter sounds? Get the Toddlers Can Read Letter Sounds course.
Does your child have a hard time putting sounds together to make words? Get the Toddlers Can Read Blending Course.
Still feeling confused? You can apply for a call with me. Once your application is approved, you can schedule calls as needed, I just require an application first to make sure it’s the right fit!
About Me
👋🏽 Hi, I’m Sonia— former teacher turned homeschool mom of two. I taught both my kids to read before kindergarten. I want to help you do the same!
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