Reading Tips Blog
For First Graders and Growing Readers
Practical advice and strategies to support your child's reading.
(All articles can be found in Reading Resources)
What Happens During a Reading Assessment? What Parents and Children Can Expect
What happens during a reading assessment? Discover what parents and children can expect before, during, and after the assessment and how the results support reading growth. ...more
Reading Development
July 28, 2026•5 min read
What Is Phonics? A Parent's Guide to One of the Most Important Reading Skills
Phonics is one of the essential components of learning to read. This article explains what phonics is, how it differs from phonemic awareness and decoding, why explicit and systematic phonics instruct... ...more
Reading Development
July 24, 2026•5 min read
Should My Child Already Know How to Read Before First Grade?
Should children know how to read before first grade? Learn what first-grade teachers generally look for, which foundational reading skills matter, and how to support your child before school begins. ...more
Reading Development
July 21, 2026•7 min read
How Do Children Learn to Read?
How do children learn to read? Explore the five essential reading skills and understand how children become confident, successful readers. ...more
Reading Development
July 14, 2026•8 min read
Preparing for Second Grade: A Parent's Guide to Reading Skills
Wondering if your child is ready for second grade? Learn which reading skills continue developing during second grade and how decoding, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and reading independence wor... ...more
Reading Development
July 10, 2026•6 min read
Does My Child Need a Reading Assessment Before School Starts?
Wondering if your child needs a reading assessment before school starts? Learn when an assessment may be helpful, what it includes, and how it can guide your next steps. ...more
Reading Development
July 07, 2026•12 min read
Based in Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin — Serving the Madison Area and Students Nationwide
Diane Marthaler Reading Tutor, LLC
Online Reading Tutor for First Grade and Grades K-6
(608) 218-4431
Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin
