With just a couple of months to go before the 2025 NAPLAN results are out, the spotlight’s back on Australia’s literacy struggles.
Last year’s results showed one in three students didn’t meet basic literacy benchmarks. But let’s be honest, learning to read doesn’t just happen at school.
For many families, the real reading happens at home, and it can be a bit of a challenge.
More and more Aussie parents are saying they feel unsure about how to help their kids with reading. While most are keen as mustard to support their child’s learning, over half admit they’re not quite sure what actually works.
And here’s a bit of a worry: fewer families are reading aloud to their little ones these days.
That’s a big, missed opportunity, especially since reading together is one of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to build early literacy skills.
But here’s the good news – helping your child become a confident reader doesn’t mean turning your lounge room into a classroom.
It’s all about understanding how kids learn to read and using simple, everyday strategies that actually make a difference.
“Teaching your child to read doesn’t mean drilling the alphabet or memorising word lists,” says Sara Leman, literacy expert and educator at ABC Reading Eggs.
“Reading is a skill that’s built over time and it starts with five key building blocks that all work together.”
So, what should parents focus on? Here are five essential skills every child needs to become a confident and fluent reader and how parents can support them at home:
Phonemic Awareness
Kids need to hear and play with sounds. Try rhyming games or “I spy” to build awareness of how words break down into individual sounds.
Phonics
This is where the magic happens – connecting letters to sounds. Play word-building games and read with your child to help them sound out and read new words independently.
Vocabulary
Talk, talk, talk! Talk often, and about everything! Conversations during car rides, dinner, or even grocery shopping help build a rich vocabulary.
Fluency
Reading aloud with expression and encouraging repeat readings of favourite books help children read smoothly and confidently.
Comprehension
Ask simple questions about the story, the characters, or what your child thinks might happen next. It helps turn reading into understanding.
“Parents don’t need to be teachers. They just need tools and strategies that actually work,” says Leman.
“That’s what Reading Eggs is designed for. It turns these research-backed methods into fun, bite-sized lessons that kids love and parents can trust.”
To help families take that first step, Reading Eggs is offering two exciting EOFY deals.
From 10th June to 1st July, families can access 50% off an annual subscription to ABC Reading Eggs and ABC Mathseeds — just $113.99 (valued at $227).
That’s not it – the ABC Reading Eggs Bookshop is also joining in on the EOFY fun. From 10th June to 30th June, families can enjoy 25% off all full-priced items, including educational workbooks and activity packs that complement the online programs.
With NAPLAN results soon to hit headlines again, it’s a timely reminder that improving literacy outcomes starts with strong foundations, at home and in the classroom.
Just 15 minutes a day on Reading Eggs can give kids the head start they need, and help parents feel more confident every step of the way.