21 April 2021 Blog, Reading

Learn to Read Books for Struggling Readers

Learning to read is not a natural process, like learning to speak. For some children, learning to read can be straightforward, but some children need extra support and encouragement. How can we help struggling readers to gain the skills and confidence they need to progress?

It’s important to remember that reading is not a guessing game. Written language is a code with combinations of letters representing certain sounds, so teaching and reinforcing phonic knowledge is the most effective way to make sure that children learn how to read words independently.

Of course, there is more to reading than being able to sound-out a word. Reading requires children to make meaning out of the print they decode and therefore they need deep background and vocabulary knowledge so that they understand the words they are reading. Eventually, they will be able to recognise most words automatically and read connected text fluently.

To get to this point in their reading development, it is important to provide the appropriate learn to read books which will encourage a struggling reader’s phonetic application as well as their contextual knowledge.

There are so many “learn to read” programs, sets of books and levelled readers, so what should you be looking for when choosing an appropriate starting point for your struggling reader?

Effective learn to read books should:

include colourful images to grab a child’s attention.
explore familiar settings and contexts that a child can relate to.
introduce age-appropriate grammar and punctuation.

Best Learn to Read Books for Struggling Readers

“I Can Read” Books by Harper Collins

This reading program has 6 different levels, starting with “My Very First” reading level, which is appropriate for readers who are just learning phonics sounds and blending.

There are three box sets, each coming with eleven stories, a parents’ guide containing tips on reading with your child, and reward stickers.

The levels progress from “My Very First” all the way to “Advanced” reading stage which includes challenging vocabulary and more complex themes and stories.

Why is this a great program?

There are many books available for each level so children will be able to consolidate their learning before moving onto the next level.
Familiar characters will engage children at all levels, including the Berenstain Bears, Pinkalicious, Pete the Cat, Amelia Bedelia and Fancy Nancy.
Free printable activities are available online for many of the books as well as tips for parents.
There are a variety of themes and characters that will appeal to both boys and girls.

Julia Donaldson’s Songbirds Phonics-Based Books

Julia Donaldson is famous for many best-selling children’s book such as The Gruffalo, Room on a Broom and Sharing a Shell. Donaldson channeled her creative characters and plots into writing “Songbirds”, a complete phonics reading scheme of 60 books, part of the the immensely popular Oxford Reading Tree.

Divided into 6 distinct levels, these books will help children use their phonetic knowledge to progress into an independent reader. Donaldson targets beginner readers in Level 1, focusing on teaching short vowel sounds and all consonants except x and q. The levels progress until Level 6, which introduces more advanced phonics sounds and complex letter patterns.

Why is this a great program?

There are variety of interesting topics and characters – some of the stories are in prose, some in rhyme, some are realistic and others fantastical.

All levels include non-fiction titles and plays.

The books are illustrated by a wonderful variety of artists.

Each book contains inside cover notes to support parents/carers with their children’s phonics practice and comprehension.

Songbirds Julia Donaldson Level 1 books – there are many more available for this level.

Songbirds Julia Donaldson Level 2 books – there are many more available for this level.

Julia Donaldson Songbirds phonics books level 3 pack of 6

Songbirds Julia Donaldson Level 3 books – there are many more available for this level.

Songbirds Julia Donaldson Level 4 books – there are many more available for this level.

Learn to Read Phonics Bug Books by Pearson Education

Phonics Bug is an effective programme that gives children a firm, fun foundation in phonics. It uses research-based teaching methods so it’s the ideal way to get today’s little learners started on their journey to reading success. Divided into 6 phases for Keystage 1 students (up to Year 2 age), the books will help your child take their first steps towards learning to read and spell independently.

Why is this a great program:

Helpful parent notes on the inside front cover of each book highlight tricky words and give you ideas of activities and discussion before and during reading.
The inside back cover includes ideas for delving deeper after reading to check understanding.
The illustrations are bright, colourful and keep a child engaged.
This reading program continues to Year 6, so if your child gets hooked, they can use this reading program to support them through primary school.