Understanding Early Reading & Taking the First Steps

"It’s not just about learning to read. It’s about loving to read."
— Unknown

🧠 Blog Post: Understanding Early Reading & Taking the First Steps
By Emily Scruggs | Emily’s Read and Play Academy

"Is My Child Ready to Read?” Let’s Talk About It.

As a parent, you might be wondering when — or how — to start teaching your child to read. You’re not alone! Reading doesn’t begin with a book in their hands. It starts long before — with curiosity, play, conversation, and connection.

Let’s break down what early reading really means and how you can support it confidently from the start.

📚 What Is Early Reading, Really?

Early reading (also known as emergent literacy) is everything a child learns before they can read on their own. This includes:

• Listening to stories

• Recognizing letters

• Understanding that print carries meaning

• Hearing and playing with sounds in words (like rhyming!)

• Talking about what they see and hear

If your child is doing these things — even just a little — they’re already on the path.

🚸 Common Misunderstandings:

Many parents feel behind if their child isn’t reading full books by kindergarten. But here’s the truth:

📢 Reading is a journey, not a race.

Some kids are ready to decode words at age 4. Others need more time. Both are normal.

What’s most important is consistent, joyful exposure — not pressure.

🧡 Your Role Matters More Than You Know

You don’t need a teaching degree. You need connection.

• Reading aloud every day builds vocabulary and comprehension.

• Pointing to signs, labels, or menus models print awareness.

• Singing songs and playing rhyming games builds sound awareness (a huge reading foundation!).

Your child learns to read through the language you speak, the stories you share, and the questions you ask.

✅ First Steps You Can Take Today:

Here are 3 simple ways to support early reading now:

1. Start a daily read-aloud routine
   Even 10 minutes a day can spark big gains.

2. Play with sounds
   Try: “What starts with the same sound as cat?” or “Can you find a word that rhymes with hat?”

3. Download our Free Reading Readiness Checklist
   It’s a simple guide to help you understand what early literacy skills look like — and where your child shines.

👉 Grab your free checklist here

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nNH8RYr3c2haxOiEZ8n3Fi-EsTWYJsQrcm7aQE9JBlo/edit?tab=t.0

🎯 Final Thought: You’ve Already Started

If you’re reading this, you care — and that’s the biggest step. Trust your instincts, take small daily actions, and know that you are your child’s first and most powerful reading guide.

Need help figuring out your child’s next steps?
📅 Book a Free Reading Assessment with me today. I’d love to support you.

Emily Scruggs
Reading Coach & Founder of Emily’s Read and Play Academy
Helping parents turn everyday moments into reading magic. ✨