How to help your child read: handout maker

A one-page handout for families

Make a one-page handout for families. It explains in plain words how to help a beginner: say the sounds, push them together, what to do at a hard word, a little every day. Add a note of your own, and this week’s words at the bottom for the child to read aloud.

Pick a design

Now: . Hundreds of designs to choose from.

Choose each part yourself

To keep a copy, choose “Save as PDF” as the printer. What you type stays on your device: it is not sent to us and not saved.

Your worksheet:

Watch: how the free worksheet makers workA two-minute lesson. Every maker works the same way.

How to make your worksheet

  1. Turn the tips on or off.
  2. Type a note from you, or leave it empty.
  3. Choose this week’s words: a ready set, your own words, or none.
  4. Print and send it home, or keep it on the fridge.

The reading skill

A child who hears the same plain advice at home and at school learns faster. The words at the bottom give the family something to read together that evening.

Plain words on purpose

No teaching terms. A tired parent can read the page in two minutes and use it the same evening.

What the tips say

Say sounds, not letter names. Blend the sounds. Wait before helping. Learn a few sight words at a time. Ten minutes a day. Praise the trying.

Good questions

Can I change the tips?

You can turn each tip on or off and add your own note. The wording of the six tips is fixed.

Is it only for teachers?

No. A parent can print it for a grandparent or a sitter.

Is what I type sent anywhere?

No. The sheet is made on your own device. Nothing you type is sent to us or saved.

Is it free?

Yes, with no sign-up and no limit.

Make another kind of sheet

Free · 2 minutes

Is reading hard for your child, and you are not sure why?

“Behind in reading” can mean ten different things, and each one needs different help. Check off what is true for your child. You will see the one thing to work on first, and what can wait.

Find where to start