A few unfamiliar words can interrupt the flow of an otherwise manageable passage. Checking them first lets a child concentrate on reading the sentences accurately and with meaning.

Preview only likely barriers

Look at the short passage your child is going to read aloud. Select two or three names, technical terms or longer words that are likely to cause difficulty.

Say each word, explain it briefly if needed and let your child read it once. Then return to the complete passage.

For example, before a science paragraph, check temperature, thermometer and Celsius. Do not explain the whole paragraph or practise every word.

When your child reads, supply an occasional difficult word if they remain stuck. Avoid correcting every hesitation or restarting the passage repeatedly.

As this becomes easier, ask your child to scan the text and identify words they want to check. This turns the preview into a strategy they can eventually use alone.

If many words need advance preparation, the text may be too difficult or wider reading support may be needed. Discuss the pattern with school.