Who this site is for
Families whose children are newly sounding out sentences and need patient, step-by-step support.
How to use these pages
Start with tracking every word (finger slide), then move to smoother re-reads.
Use a just-right book check so practice books fit—not too hard, not too easy.
When you want a fuller picture, take the free Read Like Rocky assessment.
Start here
Read Every Word: The Finger-Slide Reading Game
Does your child leave out little words, or jump ahead when reading aloud? This quick game helps children slow down, keep their place, and read every word.…
Three Reads to Smooth Reading
Does your child read one slow word at a time? In this lesson your child practices a few tricky words, hears a short passage read smoothly, and then reads it…
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 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,…
Why Does My Child Read So Slowly? What Helps at Home
Most children read slowly because they are still sounding out many words one at a time, so their brain has to work hard on each word before it can move on…
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.