Who this site is for
Parents whose kids can decode many words but still miss meaning, skip ahead, or forget what they just read.
How to use these pages
Try one tip during tonight’s reading—Stop, Sketch & Tell is a great first try.
Practice looking for clues when a new word shows up (Word Detective).
Want a fuller picture of comprehension vs. decoding? Take the free assessment.
Start here
Stop, Sketch, and Tell: Reading for Meaning
Does your child read every word and then say, "I don't know," when you ask what happened? This lesson helps them slow down and notice what the words mean.…
Word Detective! Figuring Out New Words from the Sentence
Does your child read right past words they don't know, or stop and wait for you to tell them? In this lesson your child learns to act like a detective: when…
Just-Right Book Check (Help Your Child Pick a Book That Fits)
Does your child grab an exciting book, then stall after a page? Or stick only to easy ones? In this lesson you teach a gentle "just-right" check: try a…
Why Can My Child Read Words but Not Understand Them? What Helps at Home
Many children can say the words on a page without understanding them because sounding out still takes most of their attention, or because they don't yet…
Why Does My Child Skip Words When Reading? What It Can Mean and How to Help at Home
You're listening to your child read aloud, and something sounds off. "The dog ran to the park" comes out as "The dog ran park." Or a whole line disappears,…
How Can I Build My Child's Vocabulary at Home? Simple Daily Habits That Help
You can build your child's vocabulary at home by talking with them often, reading aloud books that are a little above their own reading level, and…
From Dr. Nancy Barker, Ed.D.
These free pages are built by the team behind Read Like Rocky. Dr. Nancy has spent 49 years in education, specializing in deaf and hard-of-hearing teaching. She earned her Ed.D. from Pepperdine University in 2011 and previously mentored teachers as a school leader.
Take the free reading assessment from Read Like Rocky — it takes a few minutes and points you to a clear next step.
Start the free assessment
The activities here are general reading practice for families. They are not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. If you have concerns about a learning difference, vision, hearing, speech, attention, or anxiety, please talk with your pediatrician or a school specialist.