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Some reading programs feel overwhelming—either too dry, too complex, or simply not engaging for young learners. That’s why Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann is such a gem. It’s straightforward, gentle, and—most importantly—it works.
In our home, this book became a game-changer. My 5-year-old was struggling with the structure of his original kindergarten curriculum. He didn’t enjoy it, and it was beginning to feel like a battle. We decided to try something different—and that’s when this book came into our lives. The change was immediate. The short, focused lessons kept his attention, and he actually looked forward to doing them!
What Makes This Book So Effective
1. Scripted, Simple, and Structured
You don’t have to be a reading expert or a certified teacher to use this book. Each lesson is completely scripted, walking you through exactly what to say and do. That means no prep work, no guesswork, and no wondering if you’re “doing it right.” Just open the book and go.
2. Gentle Progression That Builds Confidence
Each lesson builds on the previous one with thoughtful, consistent review. Kids aren’t rushed—they’re supported. The phonics-based approach slowly introduces sounds, blending, and word reading with repetition that feels reassuring, not boring.
3. Designed for Attention Spans
The lessons are short—about 15 to 20 minutes—and broken into bite-sized pieces. For younger learners, that’s key. There’s just enough variety to keep things moving while still reinforcing the core skills.
Why Homeschool Families Love It
- Perfect for Pivoting: Whether you’re pulling back from a full curriculum or looking to simplify your language arts routine, this book stands alone beautifully. You don’t need any other materials to begin building a solid reading foundation.
- Great for Multiple Ages: If you have younger siblings watching lessons, don’t be surprised if they start picking up sounds too! You can reuse this book year after year with your other children.
- Empowers the Parent: Many parents worry about teaching their child to read. This book takes that pressure off. You’ll feel equipped, confident, and encouraged as you see your child grow.
Tips for Using It in Your Homeschool
| Tip | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Stay Consistent | Doing just one lesson a day keeps things moving without burnout. |
| Celebrate Progress | Mark each completed lesson with a sticker or high five—build a habit of encouragement. |
| Don’t Stress the Pace | If your child needs to repeat a lesson, that’s okay! Mastery is more important than speed. |
| Keep It Light | Sit somewhere cozy, read with expression, and keep the mood upbeat. This should be a sweet time together. |
| Let It Be Enough | You don’t need to supplement unless you want to—this program is fully comprehensive for early reading. |
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is one of the most practical and confidence-building tools in our homeschool toolkit. It helped my son fall in love with reading—and helped me fall in love with teaching it. Whether you’re just starting your homeschool journey or need a fresh approach for a reluctant reader, this book is more than just a curriculum—it’s a relationship builder.
Purchase it here → Amazon – Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann
