(In partnership with Africa Dyslexia Organisation) Reading is more than just recognizing words on a page; it’s about understanding their meaning. The fifth and final pillar of reading—comprehension—is where many children struggle. They can read fluently but fail to grasp the text’s meaning, making comprehension a crucial skill both in academics and everyday life. Why is Comprehension Important? Comprehension extends beyond reading; it helps children process instructions, follow directions, and make informed decisions. In every subject—math, science, or literature—students must

(In partnership with Africa Dyslexia Organisation) When it comes to building strong reading skills, vocabulary plays a crucial role. Vocabulary refers to knowing the meaning of words and understanding how to use them effectively. It is a prerequisite for comprehension—without understanding words, a child cannot grasp the meaning of what they read. One of the best ways to develop a child’s vocabulary is through natural conversation. Speaking to children as you would to any adult helps them absorb new words

Reading fluency is where many children face challenges. They may be great at blending sounds and decoding words, but their reading feels slow, choppy, or lacks expression. Fluency is the bridge between decoding and comprehension, allowing children to read smoothly and understand text effortlessly. What is Fluency? Fluency is the ability to read text accurately, at an appropriate speed, and with natural expression. Without fluency, a child may struggle with retention, making comprehension more difficult. Strategies to Improve Fluency Silent

In our journey through the Science of Reading series, we now focus on Phonics, the second pillar of reading. This is where children learn to connect sounds with letters, forming the foundation for decoding words. Understanding Phonics Phonics bridges the gap between spoken and written language. It helps children recognize that letters represent sounds and that these sounds form words. This step follows phonemic awareness, where kids already understand individual sounds. Making Phonics Fun One of the best ways to

Welcome back to our series on helping struggling readers! In partnership with the Africa Dyslexia Organisation, we’re breaking down the Science of Reading to equip you with effective strategies for teaching your child to read. What is Phonemic Awareness? Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds in spoken words. These sounds, called phonemes, are the building blocks of reading. Before children learn to connect letters to sounds (phonics), they must first develop an understanding of

Do you have a child who struggles with reading? Whether they are unable to read or not reading at their grade level, it can be frustrating to know how to help. If you’ve tried everything but still see little progress, don’t worry—there’s a proven method to guide them toward success. Introducing the Science of Reading The Science of Reading is a research-backed approach to teaching literacy. Scientists have studied how the brain learns to read for decades, and their findings

Jayden, a bright young learner, recently embarked on an engaging educational journey at Happy Ladybird. Guided by a personalized assessment, he explored his strengths and areas ripe for growth in both phonics and numeracy. Together with his mother, Jayden participated in a series of interactive tasks aimed at creating a roadmap for his future learning success. A Collaborative Exploration: The assessment began with a dynamic exploration of phonics, focusing on Jayden’s ability to blend sounds, a crucial building block for

The world of books holds endless possibilities for wonder, learning, and imagination. But where do you begin when introducing your child to this magical realm? The answer is simpler than you might think – start early and make it fun! Embrace the Power of Early Exposure: There’s no need to wait until your child can read independently to introduce them to books. From infancy, expose them to the joy of books through: Sharing colorful picture books: Point out objects, animals, and familiar faces, creating

Your child is on a wonderful reading journey! They’ve mastered the basics, recognizing individual sounds, blending them into CVC words, and even tackling simple sentences. You might be wondering, “What’s next?” Well, the exciting world of reading unfolds as we introduce new sounds, and one fascinating group just awaits – diphthongs! Diphthongs are special sounds formed by two vowel sounds blending together, creating a unique sound unlike either individual vowel. Think of them as two notes merging into a new

As early childhood educators, we understand the critical role we play in fostering a love for reading in our young learners. While the excitement of new discoveries and shared stories is undeniable, it’s crucial to remember that this journey requires a key ingredient: patience. Unlike a race to the finish line, literacy development is a gentle exploration of language, where each tentative step paves the way for confident readers. Imagine a child’s brain as a curious explorer venturing into the