Some kids just hate reading. They struggle, have a hard time blending sounds together, they switch sounds around when spelling a word. Family members are already critical of homeschooling and pressuring you. Shouldn't this be easier? Is this normal?

The good news is it's normal for kids to learn to read at very different ages. There are many families where the same parent teaches multiple kids and yet the ages where they learn to read vary from 3 to 12. Be sure to check for dyslexia and vision to make sure they don't have a medical problem causing them not to be able to read.

Here are books that the internet thinks are a great starting point to get your child engaged.

Learn to Read for Kids with Dyslexia: 101 Games and Activities to Teach Your Child to Read by Hannah Braun.

Amazon link.

It's specifically targeted at dyslexic children, but it's a high recommendation for any kid struggling with having fun with reading. It's got super quick activities that do the phonics work in a fun way. Pick this up if "school" is boring.

Logic of English

https://www.logicofenglish.com/

This website has books and training materials for both the student and the teacher (you!). If you feel like your skills aren't enough, these resources can help. Plus, check out the free resources.

All About Reading

https://www.allaboutlearningpress.com/all-about-reading/

Probably the most recommended resource of this list. Probably because the lessons are aimed at busy parents where the lessons are scripted so all you need to do is open up the materials and start teaching.

Explode the Code

https://www.explodethecode.com/

Not a book, but a widely recommended online learning system with feedback to the parent.

Reading Eggs

https://readingeggs.com/

You're probably already familiar with this online tool, but no list would be complete without it. There's a lot of praise for this online. It's an interactive program that many parents swear saved their children's learning careers.

Teach Your Monster to Read (free)

https://www.teachyourmonster.org/

Another online game that is available on any device that has a story to it. You're developing your monster by completing challenges. Learning as you play.

Additional Tips

Orton-Gillingham

Many of the recommendations here are from the Orton-Gillingham technique developed in the early 20th century. They're proven to work for delayed readers if they have dyslexia and also if they don't. It's a topic you may want to research further.

Change things up

While "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons" is a popular book that homeschooling parents try, it seems to create a lot of frustration for them also. Sometimes it's just a good idea to try different things and not get stuck on just one thinking you or your child has to put in more effort. Change things up!

Take a break

It's common to be paranoid that your child is falling behind and you should do something about it. But sometimes what your child needs is actually to take a break. Let some steam off, let the brain develop further. Some parents report going through the same book a breeze a year later, that had been an ultimate frustration before. Perhaps the brain really just isn't developed for that. Remember, language is actually really complicated.

I've written about more general tips on getting your child to love reading and actions to take if they're really having trouble.