Learning to read might seem like a difficult process, but after analyzing over 100, 000 studies, the U.S National Reading Panel has confirmed that it involves five essential components, often referred to as the “Big 5”. Identifying these five components makes it easier to ensure your child becomes a strong reader.
The “Big 5” are:
Find storybooks that practice skills like rhyming and alliteration, or even better: a storybook series that’s designed to teach all five skills associated with phonological awareness (blending, rhyming, segmenting, alliteration, and sound manipulation) such as Alpha-Mania Adventures. The books are fun and interactive, featuring games and activities on almost every page.
Once a child has developed strong phonological awareness, it will be easier to build upon this foundation, moving along to phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and reading comprehension.
Car rides, playing at the park, meal times, bathtime and while getting ready for bed are also excellent learning opportunities. Practice phonological awareness to set your child on the road to reading success.
A lifelong reader is a lifelong learner.
Ruth Rumack is the founder of Ruth Rumack’s Learning Space and the creator of the pre-reading series Alpha-Mania Adventures, now available on www.alpha-mania.com and Amazon.
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness
- Phonics
- Vocabulary Development
- Reading Fluency
- Reading Comprehension

