86% of Parents Want to Help Their Kids Read But Don’t Know How

Only 31% of fourth graders are reading at or above the proficient level nationwide, according to the 2024 report by the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress). In response, schools are revising curricula, retraining teachers, and investing in new programs. Alongside these important efforts, there’s an opportunity to support literacy in a more immediate and accessible way: helping parents better understand how to reinforce reading at home.

Another recent study found that 86% of parents with elementary-aged children don’t feel confident helping their child learn to read. Families are often encouraged to “read at home,” but many are unsure what that looks like in practice. Simple, clear guidance—like the three key components of reading development (reading to children, children reading aloud, and independent reading)—can make a meaningful difference. Within those, parents often want to know how long to read and which books to choose.

Reading development doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Children benefit from repetition, practice, and reinforcement at home—and that’s most effective when families feel equipped and supported.

In conversations with parents of children in kindergarten through fifth grade, a consistent theme emerged: many wish they had more specific feedback and more suggestions for appropriate, engaging books. One mother shared that while she regularly read to her children and encouraged independent reading, she hadn’t realized how important reading aloud to a parent can be in the early years for building decoding and fluency skills.

Research supports this. The “Matthew Effect” in reading describes how early success can lead to long-term academic advantages, while early struggles can compound over time. This helps explain why early and consistent reading practice—both at school and at home—is so critical.

As a teacher and reading specialist for over a decade, and now a parent of three children in public schools, I’ve seen firsthand how much families want to help. I’ve also seen how even small, practical suggestions—like book lists, literacy games, or sample questions—can empower parents and build confidence.

Of course, educators are balancing many demands: limited time, diverse student needs, and evolving curriculum standards. There’s also a thoughtful concern about ensuring that guidance is accessible and realistic for all families. These are real challenges, and they highlight the importance of solutions that are flexible, practical, and easy to share.

When families have clearer guidance, it can help reduce guesswork and create more consistent support for children. Without it, many parents do their best but aren’t sure if they’re focusing on the most effective strategies. Expanding communication in small, manageable ways—like optional workshops, simple handouts, or suggested activities—can help bridge that gap.

Recent attention, including Emily Hanford’s Sold a Story podcast, has brought important changes to reading instruction, particularly the shift toward phonics-based approaches. This progress is encouraging. Strengthening the connection between school and home can help ensure those gains translate into lasting success for students.

Schools can continue building on this momentum by finding more consistent, practical ways to share guidance with families and make literacy support feel accessible to everyone. At the same time, parents don’t have to wait—asking questions, requesting resources, and advocating for clear direction can make a meaningful difference right now.

When schools and families work together, children benefit most. Parents want to help their children learn to read—and with the right support and communication, they can.