Let’s Learn to Read English! Primary Reading Skills
Hello, new English learner! Are you excited to read? Reading English can be fun and easy, even if you are just starting. This article will help you learn important skills for primary reading. We will use pictures, examples, and simple words to help you understand.
What is Primary Reading?
Reading is like understanding a secret message! When you see words on a page, you learn what they mean.
Imagine you see this: CAT
You know it means this animal:
That’s reading! You see the letters, you know the sound, and you understand the meaning.
Primary Reading Super Skill 1: Knowing Your ABCs (Alphabet)
The first step to reading is knowing the English alphabet! There are 26 letters. Each letter has a name and a sound.
Let’s look at the letters:
| Big Letter | Small Letter | Name of Letter | Sound of Letter (Example) |
| A | a | Ay | /a/ like in apple |
| B | b | Bee | /b/ like in ball |
| C | c | See | /k/ like in cat |
| D | d | Dee | /d/ like in dog |
| E | e | Ee | /e/ like in egg |
| F | f | Eff | /f/ like in fish |
| G | g | Gee | /g/ like in goat |
| H | h | Aitch | /h/ like in hat |
| I | i | Eye | /i/ like in ink |
| J | j | Jay | /j/ like in jam |
| K | k | Kay | /k/ like in kite |
| L | l | Ell | /l/ like in lion |
| M | m | Emm | /m/ like in moon |
| N | n | Enn | /n/ like in nose |
| O | o | Oh | /o/ like in orange |
| P | p | Pee | /p/ like in pig |
| Q | q | Cue | /kw/ like in queen |
| R | r | Arr | /r/ like in rat |
| S | s | Ess | /s/ like in sun |
| T | t | Tee | /t/ like in top |
| U | u | Yoo | /u/ like in umbrella |
| V | v | Vee | /v/ like in van |
| W | w | Double-yoo | /w/ like in wolf |
| X | x | Ex | /ks/ like in fox |
| Y | y | Wy | /y/ like in yellow |
| Z | z | Zed (or Zee) | /z/ like in zebra |
Practice: Look at the letters. Say their names and sounds. Can you find them in a book?
Primary Reading Super Skill 2: Phonics – Letter Sounds!
Phonics is super important! It means learning what sound each letter or group of letters makes. When you know the sounds, you can “sound out” new words.
Example:
- C says /k/
- A says /a/
- T says /t/
Put them together: /k/ + /a/ + /t/ = CAT!
Let’s try another one:
- D says /d/
- O says /o/
- G says /g/
Put them together: /d/ + /o/ + /g/ = DOG!
You are a reading star!
Primary Reading Super Skill 3: Sight Words
Some words don’t always follow the phonics rules perfectly. These are called “sight words” or “high-frequency words.” We learn to recognize them quickly, “by sight.”
Why are they important? They are very common! You will see them in almost every English sentence.
Here are some common sight words:
- the
- a
- is
- I
- and
- to
- in
- it
- he
- she
- we
- go
- my
- see
Example: “I see a cat.” In this sentence, “I,” “see,” and “a” are all sight words!
You can make flashcards for sight words and practice them every day!
Primary Reading Super Skill 4: Reading Simple Sentences and Stories
Once you know letters, sounds, and some sight words, you can start reading simple sentences and stories!
Tips for Reading:
- Look at the picture! Pictures often give clues about what the words mean.
- Point to each word as you read it.
- Sound out words you don’t know using phonics.
- Ask for help if you get stuck.
- Read again! The more you read a story, the better you will get!
Let’s try a simple story:
“This is Sam.”
“Sam is a cat.”
“Sam has a red ball.”
Why is Reading Important? (E-E-A-T)
Reading is super important for many reasons!
- Expertise: When you read, you learn new things! You become smarter and know more about the world.
- Experience: Reading lets you visit new places, meet new people, and have adventures in your mind, all without leaving your chair!
- Authoritativeness: When you can read, you can understand important information from books, news, and teachers. You can find facts!
- Trustworthiness: Being a good reader means you can understand instructions, signs, and important messages. This helps you stay safe and know what to do.
Additional Helpful Content for You!
- Read Aloud: Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to read English books to you. Listen carefully to how the words sound.
- Sing ABC Songs: There are many fun songs that teach the alphabet and letter sounds.
- Play Games: Many online games and apps help with phonics and sight words.
- Look for English everywhere: When you go outside, look for English words on signs, advertisements, and labels. Try to read them!
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Everyone makes mistakes when they are learning. Just keep trying!
Additional Helpful Links
- Study about reading strategies – Easy English Reading Strategies for Beginners
- Learn about reading comprehension – Beginner’s Guide: Reading Comprehension & Story Skills
Where to Find More Help
Here are some places where you can find more information and resources to help you learn to read English:
- PBS Kids for Parents: This website has many resources for early literacy.
- Starfall Education Foundation: Offers interactive games and activities for learning to read.
- Reading Rockets: A national multimedia project offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read.
Keep practicing, and you will be a fantastic English reader in no time! Happy reading!
