From reading the words to following the meaning.

Give one sentence your attention

Reading connected text brings word reading and understanding together. The Institute of Education Sciences includes connected-text practice in its foundational reading guidance. Its comprehension guidance also encourages purposeful text choices and discussion of meaning.

For your own practice, choose a brief sentence about something familiar. The cat sat is one possibility if the words fit your child's learning. Supply a word they have not learned. A sentence containing several unfamiliar words may call for you to read it aloud first.

Reading behind this guidance: Institute of Education Sciences; Institute of Education Sciences

Help them hear the whole thought

Try this small sequence with one sentence. Stay with it only while your child is comfortable. You can take a turn whenever they need help.

1. Read the words together

   Point to the print as you go. Pause to help with a word, then return to the sentence. If your child is working hard to work out each word, keep the sentence short and offer more of the reading yourself.

2. Let your voice carry the meaning

   Say the complete sentence in a natural voice, with a little pause at the full stop. Invite your child to read with you. There is no need to copy a particular accent or make the reading sound like a performance.

3. Read it again for a reason

   Say, ‘Let's read it again to see what the cat did.’ Your child can point, join in or read the sentence themselves. Use the second reading to return to its message, without timing it or asking for a faster attempt.

Make room for an answer in their own words

Ask one simple question, such as ‘Who sat?’ or ‘What did the cat do?’ Accept a spoken answer, a gesture or a drawing. If your child is unsure, point back to the sentence and answer it together. This is a conversation, not a quiz to pass.

An unfamiliar English word can get in the way of the message. Explain it with an object, action or everyday example. Invite your child to talk in a familiar home language too, then connect their idea with the English word. You do not have to replace the language your family already shares.

Build a little further when it feels manageable

Another time, choose two related sentences and talk about what happened across them. Keep returning to the words on the page when you discuss the message. For an imagined extra detail, such as where the cat might sit next, make it clear that you are inventing together.

Continue reading richer stories aloud yourself. Your child can enjoy characters, new ideas and conversation while their independent reading develops. If sentences remain difficult despite support, share a few examples with their teacher and ask what kind of practice would fit best.