Affiliate disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, including links to RTL English. If you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Once children know their letter sounds and can blend simple words, the next challenge is reading smoothly enough to enjoy and understand a story. Here is what helps children aged 5–7 make that leap.
In this guide
Why sounding out is only the beginning
Sounding out (decoding) is essential, but when every word takes effort, there is little attention left for meaning. With practice, children recognise more words automatically, which frees them to focus on the story. Guidance such as the Department for Education’s The reading framework and the Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade practice guide emphasise systematic phonics followed by plenty of practice reading connected text.
Practice that builds fluency
- Decodable books that match the sounds your child has learned let them succeed using phonics rather than guessing.
- Rereading the same book over several days builds speed and confidence.
- Modelling expression: read a sentence with feeling and let your child copy it.
- Common “tricky” words (such as the, said, was) are worth practising little and often.
Keeping it positive
Short sessions of around 10–15 minutes are usually plenty at this age. Stop while your child is still enjoying it, praise effort, and keep reading aloud to them from books they could not yet read alone.
Early fluency checklist
Early fluency checklist (ages 5–7)
Tick what you have noticed recently. It is a conversation aid only.
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Printable practice at home
If you would like ready-made, structured practice, look for materials that follow a clear phonics progression and include notes for parents.
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About RTL English Level 3 (Early Reader, ages 5–7)
According to the seller, Level 3 is a digital home learning pack of 36 printable workbooks with 1,367 exercises, 453 activities and 1,200 notes for parents, designed for children aged 5–7. We have not tested it ourselves, and individual results vary.
See RTL English Level 3 on the seller’s site →
Prices, sales and refund terms change. Check the current price and the seller’s guarantee terms before buying. This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Should my child guess words from the pictures?
Current guidance in England and the US encourages children to decode words using phonics first. Pictures are helpful for talking about the story.
How often should we read together?
Daily, if you can, even for a few minutes. Regular short practice is more useful than occasional long sessions.
Is it normal to read slowly at this age?
Yes. Fluency develops gradually with practice. Focus on accuracy first; speed follows.
Can workbooks replace reading real books?
No. Activities can support skills, but children also need plenty of practice reading real texts and being read to.
Affiliate resource
About RTL English Level 3 (Early Reader, ages 5–7)
According to the seller, Level 3 is a digital home learning pack of 36 printable workbooks with 1,367 exercises, 453 activities and 1,200 notes for parents, designed for children aged 5–7. We have not tested it ourselves, and individual results vary.
See RTL English Level 3 on the seller’s site →
Prices, sales and refund terms change. Check the current price and the seller’s guarantee terms before buying. This is an affiliate link: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Sources and further reading
- The reading framework (Department for Education, England)
- Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide)
- National Reading Panel: Teaching Children to Read (NICHD, 2000)
- National Literacy Trust: support for parents and families
Last reviewed October 2026.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to RTL English. If you buy through them, JNR Epic Tales may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We have not tested RTL English ourselves; product details come from the seller’s website, and individual results vary. This article is general educational information. If you are worried about your child’s reading, speak to their teacher, school or a qualified specialist.
