8 Types of Reading Skills for Children

Why Reading Skills in English Matter for Children?

Reading skills in English are very important for children because they help them understand words, sentences, and stories better. When children read well, they can learn new words, improve grammar, and express themselves properly. Good reading skills also make it easy for them to understand topics at school.

Children who have strong reading skills in English can practice reading comprehension easily, understand instructions faster, and enjoy reading books more. These skills build confidence and increase a love for learning. To help your child develop these abilities, you can explore the 8 types of reading skills for children and practice them together at home.

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8 Types of Reading Skills for Children

Reading skills are a mix of different abilities that help children understand, enjoy, and utilize what they read. As parents, you can help your children strengthen their reading skills in English by focusing on these 8 types:

1. Decoding Skill

Decoding is the skill of recognizing letters and sounds and putting them together to read words. Once your child can decode, they can read new words on their own 

2. Phonics Skill

Phonics is the next step that comes after decoding. It helps children read new words and spell correctly. When your child knows phonics, learning to read and spelling become easy for them.

3. Vocabulary Skill

Knowing many words makes reading simple for your child. The more words your child understands, the better they can enjoy stories and understand lessons at school. You can help your child expand their vocabulary by teaching them new words while reading together.

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4. Fluency Skill

Fluency means reading smoothly without stopping too much. When your child reads fluently, understanding the story becomes easy for them because they do not just focus on reading a word.

5. Building Sentences Skill

This reading skill helps your child understand how sentences connect in a paragraph. This helps them understand the meaning of sentences and stories. Knowing subject-verb agreement, transitions, and the order of thoughts helps with improving reading comprehension.

6. Reading Comprehension Skill

Reading comprehension is the ability where children can actually understand what they read. It includes all other reading skills. You can help your child practice reading comprehension strategies by asking them simple questions about the story or asking them to explain it in their own words.

7. Reasoning Skill

Your child uses what they already know to understand whatever new thing they read. This helps them predict what happens next and understand hidden meanings in a story. It also improves thinking skills while reading.

8. Focus and Memory Skill

To understand longer stories, children need attention and memory. You can boost both of these skills by practicing short reading sessions at home with them, which can help them slowly develop these reading skills.

These 8 reading skills are important for every child’s learning journey. Now, let’s see how you can help your child improve reading skills at home.

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How to Improve Reading Skills of Your Child at Home?

In order to build strong reading skills in English in your child, you need time, patience, and regular practice. As a parent, you play an important role in how your child learns to read. With your support and small efforts, your child can improve reading skills slowly. Here are some tips you can use to improve reading skills of your child at home:

Read Together Daily With Your Child

Instead of asking to read only school books, motivate your child to read different kinds of books. Because short stories, picture books, or comics can make reading fun for them. When children enjoy reading, it becomes a daily habit, and reading to improve English feels easy.

Help Them Grow Their Vocabulary

Introduce new words to your child while reading. You can use flashcards, word games, or even ask your child to find new words in their storybook. A good vocabulary greatly improves your child's reading skills in English.

Practice Reading Comprehension By Asking Questions

After reading, ask your child simple questions from the story, like “Who was the main character of the story?” or “What did they like about the story?” These simple questions are important because they help practice reading comprehension and make your child think about the story deeply.

Use Reading Comprehension Strategies

Teach your child to highlight important words or points, look at pictures for reasons, or explain the story in their own words. These reading comprehension strategies help your child focus and understand in a better way.

Motivate Them to Skim and Scan

Show your child how to quickly look for main points or pick out important details. This is very useful in school exams as well as for competitive exams.

Let Them Summarize and Discuss

Ask your child to explain the story or lesson they finished reading in simple words to you. This activity improves memory and understanding.

Create a Reading Routine With Your Child

Make a fixed time for reading every day. Do not ask your child to read for hours; short sessions work better for younger kids, as it keeps their attention active.

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How CuriousJr’s English by Cambridge Program Helps Your Child Improve Reading Skills

In addition to home practice, extra guided learning can be a game-changer in your child's reading journey. CuriousJr's Online English Learning Course helps your child build strong reading skills in English with fun activities, step-by-step lessons, and friendly mentor support.

Apart from improving reading skills in English, it offers the following benefits, which make this course ideal for your child:

• Covers grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension strategies in simple steps.

• Includes speaking and listening tasks to improve overall English skills.

• Uses interactive games, role-plays, and stories to make learning joyful.

• Small group classes ensure your child gets personal attention.

• Helps your child gain confidence in reading to improve English both at home and in school.

• Demo classes before enrolling your child in the course.

Building reading skills in English is one of the best gifts you can give your child. With daily practice, simple reading comprehension strategies, and the support of CuriousJr’s English by Cambridge program, your child can expand vocabulary, practice comprehension, and improve reading skills in a fun and effective way.