7 Reading Tips for K–12 Graders from an Oregon Orton-Gillingham–Trained Educator

When learning routines allow for adaptability, students have space to grow as readers without the pressure of grades or assignments. This freedom helps families turn reading into a positive, confidence-building part of everyday life.

Heather Colbert, Lead Elementary Teacher at Cascade Virtual Academy, is an Orton-Gillingham–trained educator and Science of Reading advocate who works closely with students across grade levels. Whether a child is an avid reader, just beginning their reading journey, or experiencing challenges related to dyslexia, Ms. Colbert emphasizes choice, consistency, and encouragement.

Below are her seven reading tips, organized by grade level, to help families keep kids reading and loving it all season long.

1. Kindergarten: Focus on Fun and Familiar

At this stage, repetition is key. Encourage children to reread their favorite picture books and spend time reading aloud together. Using voices, sound effects, and expressive reading builds engagement. Simple books with rhymes or repeating patterns help young readers feel successful and confident. Incorporate fun, auditory word work that encourages rhyming, alliteration, syllable counting, and word manipulation. For example, change beginning or ending sounds to hear a new word (mat, cat, can, cap, tap). This oral word work will give your learner a strong foundation for reading and spelling.

2. First Grade: Let Them Choose

Offer a mix of picture books and early readers and let students choose topics that interest them. If a child wants to read about dinosaurs every day, that enthusiasm should be encouraged. Shared reading works well at this age. Try reading one page, then letting your child read the next. Focus on building phonics skills, being able to identify letter sounds, and recognizing other common sound patterns in words. Teach your learner how to smoothly blend decodable words, holding onto one sound before saying the next in an unknown word.

3. Second Grade: Try Chapter Books with Pictures

Beginner chapter books that include illustrations are a great next step. Mixing in nonfiction books about animals, space, or sports can keep curiosity high. Creating a cozy, quiet reading spot at home also helps establish a positive reading routine. Ensure your learner is strong with basic phonics skills, where they can use proper blending to read and spell. They should feel confident with more complex spelling patterns including r-controlled vowels, consonant-le spellings, long vowel patterns, and common diphthongs.

4. Third Grade: Introduce New Genres

Graphic novels are especially popular with third graders and can spark excitement around reading. Fantasy and mystery books help stretch imagination. For fun reinforcement, invite students to write a few sentences about what they read, no pressure, just reflection.

5. Fourth Grade: Think Bigger Topics

Biographies and adventure stories often resonate at this age. Reading can also become a shared experience through family discussions, asking open-ended questions about characters or themes. Audiobooks are another great option, especially for long car rides or quiet afternoons.

6. Fifth Grade: Connect Reading to Real Life

Encourage historical fiction or science-themed books that connect to real-world topics. Visiting the local library and exploring reading lists helps students take ownership of their choices. Pairing books with hands-on activities, like cooking a recipe inspired by a story, can make reading come alive.

7. All Grades: Make It a Habit, Not Homework

Set aside about 20 minutes a day for reading at a consistent time and place. Modeling habits is powerful. Read alongside your child or ask about what they’re enjoying. Mixing formats, including paper books, eBooks, and audiobooks, keep reading accessible and engaging.

Bonus Tip: Use Helpful Reading Resources Families looking for inspiration can explore curated reading lists on Goodreads or try digital tools like Epic!, Libby, Bookful, and Audible. These platforms offer flexible ways to keep students reading throughout the year.

Another tool that supports reading and creativity is K12 Story Studio, an interactive story-making app designed for K–8 students. Story Studio invites students to create their own original stories using engaging prompts, customizable plots, themes, and characters, with optional AI support that helps guide the writing and illustration process without replacing student voice.

The platform allows students to explore storytelling in a way that feels personal and imaginative, whether they carefully craft each detail or use quick “Pick for Me” options to spark ideas. Built to be accessible and mobile-friendly, Story Studio also provides insight into student engagement and skill development, making it a meaningful way to support literacy growth while encouraging creativity and confidence in young writers.

Reading should never feel like schoolwork. With a little guidance and a lot of choice, students can stay sharp, grow their confidence, and even discover a lifelong love of reading. As Ms. Colbert notes, “Even reluctant readers find something they love when they’re given the freedom to choose.”

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