Teaching kids to read: A parent’s guide to phonics-based learning

Teaching kids to read: Why phonics matters and tips to make reading fun!

Reading is one of the most important skills your child will ever learn but teaching it doesn’t have to be stressful. With a phonics-based approach and the right tools, you can help your child build confidence, curiosity and a lifelong love of reading.

Reading success in early childhood lays the foundation for a child’s entire academic journey. But according to recent NAPLAN results, around one in three Australian students aren’t reaching expected reading levels. The good news? Phonics-based instruction can help bridge the gap, and make reading feel less like a chore and more like an adventure.

Why phonics is essential for early reading

Phonics is the method of teaching children the sounds that letters make and how to blend them into words. It helps kids decode unfamiliar words, spell more accurately, and read with greater fluency.

Rather than relying on memorisation, children develop the tools to read independently, an approach backed by decades of literacy research. Systematic phonics instruction builds a strong foundation in reading and spelling, and it’s especially helpful for children who struggle with language or learning differences.

How to make phonics fun at home

Phonics works best when it’s playful and engaging. Kids learn by doing—so when learning sounds and letter patterns is part of a game or story, they’re more likely to stay motivated and retain what they’ve learned.

Here are a few simple ways to keep things fun:

• Play games with letter sounds and rhyming words
• Sing songs or nursery rhymes that focus on phonics patterns
• Read aloud daily and let your child join in on familiar words
• Use hands-on tools like flashcards, puzzles or magnet letters
• Celebrate effort, not just results—confidence is key

Encourage your child to love reading with these tips…

• Keep reading sessions short—15–20 minutes is plenty
• Re-read favourite books to build fluency
• Ask simple questions to boost comprehension
• Let your child pick books they’re excited about

Looking for support? Check out Lovevery’s Reading Skill Set

For parents looking for extra support, Lovevery, the global early childhood brand known for transforming the way families play and learn—has launched The Reading Skill Set in Australia.

Designed for children aged 3–7, this screen-free, phonics-based program guides kids from letter sounds to chapter books using sensory-rich games and step-by-step instruction. It’s based on two years of research and built in collaboration with literacy experts.

What’s included:

• Part 1: Sounds to Reading (ages 3–5) – Letter sounds and word building
• Part 2: Words to Books (ages 4–6) – Blending, fluency and comprehension
• Part 3: Advanced Rules to Chapter Books (ages 5–7) – Vowel pairs, final ‘e’, suffixes and more

Each set comes with books, games and a Play Guide that helps parents support learning—no expertise required.

In a six-week study, 98% of children improved their reading scores, and just 20 minutes a day made a meaningful difference. Parents also felt more confident helping their children learn to read, with 94% saying they felt better prepared after using the program.

Lovevery’s Reading Skill Set is available at lovevery.com.au/reading. Each part is $280, or $755 for the complete three-part set.