Your child has just entered kindergarten and has begun the journey of learning to read. You are excited, yet nervous for your little one. What can you do at home to help ensure that your child becomes a successful reader?

First, make sure that the education your child is receiving at school is phonics based. This means they are learning letters and sounds and how they come together to make words. Then, when you are at home, point out letters on all types of printed surfaces, including boxes, cans, and signs. Have your child identify the letters she recognizes.

Take the time to listen to your child read. You may become frustrated with how slowly your child reads, but it is important that you are patient and listen. Avoid giving your child all of the words that he struggles with reading. Let him sound them out, as this is an essential skill in learning to read.

Help your child practice writing. Learning to write is tied closely to learning how to read. You can help by teaching your child how to write certain letters and providing her with writing materials to use at home.

The biggest way you can help your child learn to read successfully is to provide support and encouragement. Remember, learning to read is very difficult, and some children get discouraged if they find it hard. Always encourage his efforts, praise his successes, and help him through failures. Remind him that reading takes lots of practice, and support him along every step in the process.

Also, provide your child with opportunities to practice in a fun, non-threatening way, such as by using phonics based computer programs. Child Font is an excellent choice because it provides age specific lessons in a fun, interactive home schooling environment. Whether you are a home school parent or a parent looking to supplement the activities your child is completing in school, Child Font can help. By creating a loving, supportive environment at home, you will help your child learn to read.