The journey of learning to read is an exciting milestone for young children. For parents of children ages 4 to 6, it’s a pivotal time to foster a love of reading and set the foundation for literacy skills.

At a recent parent education night, Santa Barbara Charter School’s reading specialist Tanya Hansen, education specialist Aaron Butler-Martin, and director of education Laura Donner discussed how parents can support their young readers at home.

“There’s no one-size-fits-all method,” said Butler-Martin. “Some kids will learn by phonics, some by sight, and others may even discover reading through unique strategies.

“What’s most important is nurturing a love of reading while supporting them in ways that match their needs.”

For parents, this means making reading a part of everyday life in simple, meaningful ways:
• Play rhyming games or make up stories together.
• Point out signs, labels, and menus during errands.
• Visit the library to find books your child loves.
• Read to siblings, pets, or stuffed animals.

Hansen noted the importance of avoiding power struggles. “If reading practice at home feels like a battle, step back,” she said. “Keep reading fun, enjoyable, and pressure-free. Let your child know that you will always read to them, even after they learn how to read on their own.”

At Santa Barbara Charter School, “We believe in providing diverse and rich literature in our classroom libraries, alongside systematic and explicit phonics instruction,” Butler-Martin said. “Our teachers use differentiated reading groups to ensure every student, no matter their skill level, is supported.”

The school also uses universal screeners to identify students who may need extra help. “These screeners allow us to catch potential issues early and provide intervention when it can make the biggest difference,” said Hansen.

“For example, if we see a first-grader struggling with phonological awareness, like rhyming or blending sounds, we can bring them into a small group to work on those skills.”

While academic skills are essential, the reading specialists noted the value of social and emotional support. Hansen referred to a book they use in class called “Finding My Superpower: A Book for Dyslexic Thinkers” by Sarah Prestidge. The book highlights famous dyslexics and the strengths they bring to the world.

“We believe in openly talking with children about their strengths and struggles,” she said. “Every child has superpowers, even if reading is challenging for them.”

“It’s not always about hitting a benchmark at a specific time,” Butler-Martin said. “Learning is social, and play is a huge part of that. Supporting kids’ reading journeys means recognizing that it won’t always look the same — and that’s okay.”

“There’s a kind of magic that happens in reading development. Sometimes, over a winter break, a child will suddenly make a leap, and they come back ready to read,” Donner said. “It’s about giving them the time and space to let that magic unfold.”

For parents at home, the message is: Follow your child’s lead, keep reading enjoyable, and trust in the process.