The Key to Confident Readers Starts at Home at ERS

The journey to literacy is different for every child. Some take to reading with ease, while for others, it’s a challenge that requires patience, practice, and support. Reading isn’t something children acquire naturally like speaking or walking - it’s a skill that must be taught, nurtured, and reinforced both in school and at home. At Elizabeth Rummel School’s Feb. 12 Literacy Night, parents explored how reading develops, why consistent practice matters, and how small, intentional efforts at home can make all the difference.

For most children, learning to read is a process of decoding words - matching letters to sounds - and then making sense of them through comprehension. While 30 percent of children develop reading skills with relative ease, the remaining 70 per cent need structured instruction and repeated practice to build those neural pathways in the brain. According to Assistant Principal Nicole Skwara, “The more exposure children have to words - through reading, conversation, and everyday interactions - the stronger their literacy foundation becomes.”

Consistency is key, but making reading enjoyable is just as important, advises ERS Literacy Specialist Jennifer Beecroft. A child who reads 20 minutes a day is exposed to nearly 1.8 million words a year, while one who reads for just a minute sees fewer than 8,000. This difference has a profound impact on vocabulary, general knowledge, and reading fluency. Reading aloud remains one of the most effective ways to build these skills. Parents can help by continuing to read to their children, even as they begin reading on their own. “Hearing fluent reading models expression, rhythm, and meaning,” Beecroft explains. “It also makes reading an enjoyable, shared experience.”

Skwara said for children who struggle or resist reading, games and interactive activities can make all the difference. Playing “I Spy” with sounds, reading in funny voices, acting out stories, or even turning everyday tasks into literacy moments - like writing grocery lists or reading street signs - helps reinforce skills in a low-pressure way. “It doesn’t have to be just about finishing a book,” Skwara says. “It’s about building confidence and making literacy a natural part of everyday life.”

Fine motor activities also play a role in early literacy development. Simple tasks like colouring, beading, using tweezers, and playing with playdough strengthen hand muscles, making writing easier as children begin forming letters. Encouraging young readers to write - whether it’s making wish lists, sending emails to relatives, or creating their own stories - helps solidify their connection between reading and writing.

Parents are encouraged to stay engaged with their child’s teacher, ask questions, and seek support when needed. Whether a child is mastering phonics or transitioning to deeper comprehension, home and school partnerships are essential to success. “We all play a role in supporting young readers,” Skwara reminded families. “And the best way to do that is by keeping reading fun, frequent, and meaningful.”

For more tips and resources, look to Elizabeth Rummel School Literacy Night Slidedeck, posted on its website under Parent Council.