Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons: Top 7 FAQs Answered
- LLX2
- May 24
- 7 min read
Updated: May 25
I still remember the mix of excitement and total panic I felt when I got ready to teach my first child how to read. Was I doing it “right”? Did I have all the materials I needed? What if he didn’t catch on—and what if it was my fault? (Spoiler: He learned to read. So did all of my other kids. And yours will too!) Wondering how to start teaching a child to read? You’re not alone! Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons to the rescue!
Teaching your child to read is one of those huge milestones that feels magical and slightly terrifying all at once. Whether you’re brand new to teaching reading or just looking for a solid homeschool reading curriculum, you’ve probably come across Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.
This structured, phonics-based program is a favorite among teachers and parents for good reason—it takes the guesswork out of teaching reading. With a clear, step-by-step format and proven phonics instruction, it’s designed to help beginner readers gain confidence and build real reading skills right from the start!
If you’ve been wondering how to use Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, you’re in the right place. We’re answering the top questions teachers and parents ask so you can start this reading journey with clarity, confidence, and zero overwhelm.
What Makes This Book So Popular?
So, what makes Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons a popular choice? For starters, it removes the guesswork. This go-to reading curriculum gives teachers and homeschool parents a clear, scripted format that’s easy to follow—even if you’ve never taught reading before. Each daily lesson builds on the last, using proven phonics instruction to help beginner readers master foundational skills step by step.
Whether you’re working with a curious preschooler or supporting a struggling reader, the structured yet flexible format helps children progress at their own pace. The book introduces new sounds and skills gradually, which means fewer tears, less frustration…and more “I can read!” moments.
Its simple, no-prep approach makes it a favorite among busy teachers and homeschooling families alike. The goal? To make learning to read feel doable, joyful, and empowering—for both you and your child.
Let’s jump in and take a closer look at the common questions that pop up as you start this popular phonics instruction program.
#1: What’s the Best Age to Start Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons?
One of the most common questions asked about Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons is: “When should I start?”
The program is designed for children as young as 3 or 4, but most parents find that ages 4 to 6 are the sweet spot. That said, there’s no hard rule. Some beginner readers are ready earlier, while others need a little more time—and that’s totally okay.
Older children who are struggling with reading can also benefit from this step-by-step, phonics-based approach. The lessons are gentle, repetitive, and build confidence—perfect for kids who need extra support or a fresh start.
If your child isn’t quite ready, there’s no rush! You can build essential pre-reading skills through fun, low-pressure activities like:
Watching Leap Frog Letter Factory or Jack Hartmann videos to reinforce sounds
Playing with alphabet flashcards for letter and sound recognition
Practicing rhyming and tracking print from left to right
Reading aloud daily or listening to audiobooks to nurture a love for books
Tracing letters in sand, using playdough, or writing with finger paint
Every child develops at their own pace, especially when it comes to reading. The key is to keep learning light, playful, and pressure-free. Your child’s confidence will grow when the timing is right.
#2: Can Beginner Readers Start This Program with No Experience?
Good news: No prior reading skills are required to begin!
The program starts from the very basics, introducing one sound at a time and gently guiding your child through each new step.
However, if your child already knows a few letters or sounds, that’s great! A little exposure can give them a head start—but it’s definitely not necessary.
If your child is brand new to phonics instruction, here are a few playful ways to get them ready:
Sing the alphabet song together
Play “I Spy” with beginning sounds (“I spy something that starts with /b/!”)
Use sensory materials like shaving cream or sand to trace letters
Try simple alphabet puzzles or magnetic letters
These early literacy activities are especially helpful for early readers to ease into a structured homeschool reading curriculum. Think of it as planting the seeds before the big reading growth spurt begins!
#3 How Long Does Each Lesson Take?
One of the best things about this phonics curriculum is its flexibility. Most lessons in Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons take just 15–20 minutes a day. That’s it! It’s a manageable, low-pressure approach that fits easily into a tight school schedule or busy family life.
That said, every child learns at their own pace. Some beginner readers may fly through lessons, while others might need more time or extra review. And that’s totally okay!
Tips for keeping phonics instruction stress-free:
Keep lessons short, sweet, and playful.
Let your child guide the pace—some kids might want to do two lessons a day, others might need a break mid-lesson.
If your child feels overwhelmed, pause or break it into smaller chunks. There's no rush.
This program is all about steady progress, not perfection. Keeping lessons positive and pressure-free is the key to building your child’s confidence as a reader.
#4 Do I Need Anything Besides the Book?
Great news: the book includes everything you need to get started with phonics instruction at home. There’s no huge supply list or complicated setup—just you, your child, and the book!
That said, sometimes it's beneficial to add a few extras to make learning more fun and hands-on for beginner readers. Here are a few favorites:
Flashcards to reinforce letter sounds and new words
Handwriting practice sheets to build writing skills
Bob Books or other early readers for extra reading time
Magnetic letters, whiteboards, or letter-building games for tactile learning
Adding a few simple resources can make this reading curriculum more engaging for struggling learners or homeschool students alike—especially for kids who learn best by seeing and doing.
Remember: no fancy tools are required, just consistency, encouragement, and a little bit of fun!
#5 What If My Beginning Reader Struggles?
First, don’t worry—every child hits a bump in the road now and then, especially when they’re just starting out with phonics instruction. If your child is having a hard time with a lesson (or a few lessons) in Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, it doesn’t mean they’re falling behind. It just means they need a little extra support—and that’s totally normal!
Here are some gentle ways to help your beginner reader through a tricky moment:
Slow down or repeat the lesson at a comfortable pace. Try 2 or 3 lessons a week instead of one every day.
Break the lesson into smaller parts—shorter sessions can be more manageable for new readers.
Use hands-on methods like finger-tracing letters in sand or paint bags.
Reinforce tricky sounds with phonics games or letter-sound matching activities.
If a child struggles with blending sounds (which is common!), try using a toy car or finger to “slide” across the sounds slowly. This helps them physically see and feel how individual sounds connect into whole words—a big breakthrough for many young readers.
#6 How Can I Keep A Child Motivated and Make Phonics Instruction Fun?
Keeping beginner readers motivated can feel like a challenge some days—but don’t worry, you’re not alone! The key is to make learning feel like play, especially when using a structured reading curriculum.
Here are some tried-and-true motivation boosters:
Offer simple rewards like stickers, small treats, or a silly dance party after completing sections or lessons.
Use a progress chart so your child can “see” their success.
Make reading time interactive—try flashcard games or “teaching” a stuffed animal.
Let them “drive” a toy car over words as they sound them out—it’s surprisingly fun!
Keep things flexible. If your child is resisting, it’s okay to take a short break.
Don’t dismiss the power of creating a cozy reading nook or letting your child help “set up” their reading time…it can make a big difference. A special area, comfy chair, or reading buddy (like a special stuffie or pet) turns it into a moment they look forward to.
#7 What If A Child Loses Interest and Resists Reading?
Sometimes, even the most eager learner hits a wall—and that’s perfectly okay. If your child starts to resist reading lessons or seems to lose interest, it may just be a sign they need a break.
Rather than pushing through, try pausing the lessons for a few weeks and focus on playful literacy activities instead:
Daily read-alouds or audiobooks
Alphabet scavenger hunts
Letter crafts or rhyming games
See FAQ #2 for more great early literacy activity ideas
The goal is to keep reading light, fun, and positive. Remember, Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons will still be there when your child is ready—and when they are, it will be a smoother, happier experience for both of you!
Make Teaching Reading Easier with Our Free Phonics Resource Pack
Teaching your child to read can feel like a huge task—but you don’t have to do it alone!
This free Phonics Pack gives you a simple, step-by-step way to start strong with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. You’ll get tools for the first 7 lessons to keep things fun and focused!
Highlights include:
✔️ Lesson plans for lessons 1-7
✔️ Flashcards to reinforce learning
✔️ Handwriting sheets to build writing skills
✔️ Phonics worksheets & games for extra practice
✔️ Tips & tricks to teach reading with confidence
✔️ BONUS: Progress chart to track success
Everything you need to support your emerging reader—all in one place!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
I still remember the mix of excitement and panic when I first sat down to teach my oldest how to read. Was I doing it right? Was he ready? Was I ready? Looking back, those early lessons are some of my favorite homeschooling memories—messy, sweet, and full of little breakthroughs!
Teaching your child to read—especially with a gentle, step-by-step program like Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons—really is a journey. And like any good journey, it has its ups and downs.
Some days your struggling or beginner reader might fly through a lesson, and other days it might feel like pulling teeth—and that’s totally okay. If your child isn’t quite ready, take a breath, take a break, and come back with playful phonics activities and lots of encouragement.
Whether you’re just getting started, supporting a struggling reader, or somewhere in between, remember: the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress. Keep it light, celebrate the little wins, and know that you’re doing something amazing!
Have you used Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons in your homeschool or at school? We’d love to hear what worked for you—share your tips or questions in the comments below!
And don’t forget to download your free phonics resource pack to make your reading sessions even easier and more engaging!