Don't Rush the Blending: A Common Mistake Parents Make
- Ntombikayise Bhengu
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
In the excitement of helping our children learn to read, many parents unknowingly rush a critical step — the blending process. While it might seem like a quick way to get your child reading fluently, skipping or hurrying through blending can lead to long-term reading struggles.
Let’s take a closer look at why it’s so important to slow down at this stage.
What Is Blending?
Blending is the skill of combining individual letter sounds to form a complete word. For example, when a child sounds out /c/, /a/, and /t/, and seamlessly hears "cat," they are utilizing blending.
This foundational ability enables kids to decode new words they encounter instead of relying solely on memorization.
What Happens When You Rush It?
When parents emphasize fluency prematurely, children often skip blending. They may:
Guess words based on pictures from the text.
Memorize entire stories without truly understanding the content.
Face difficulties when reading unfamiliar or new texts.
This can create a misleading sense of achievement. Children may struggle later when they realize they cannot depend on memory or visuals to help them read.
Why Slowing Down Matters
Giving sufficient time for blending practice:
Improves decoding abilities: Children learn to sound out and combine letters effectively, leading to better reading skills.
Promotes independence: As kids develop blending skills, they become confident readers who can tackle new words without assistance.
Increases accuracy over speed: Prioritizing comprehension rather than speed ensures a deeper understanding of texts.
Blending is a pivotal step in the reading process. It is about more than simply recognizing words; it’s about grasping how words are constructed.
Tips for Supporting Blending at Home
Model it Slowly
Speak each sound distinctly, and then blend them audibly. By modeling this process, you demonstrate not only how to blend but also the importance of taking it slowly. For instance, say “s” then “a” followed by “t” before saying “sat.”
Use Your Finger
Point beneath each letter as you pronounce the sounds. This technique helps create a link between the sounds and their corresponding letters, allowing for a more tangible grasp of blending.
Give Your Child Time
Avoid rushing your child. Allow them the space to think through the blending process at their own pace. Patience during practice reinforces their learning.
Celebrate Attempts
Focus on acknowledging effort rather than just outcomes. By praising your child’s attempts, you nurture a resilient mindset. For example, if they blend “c-a-t” into “cat,” express excitement over their effort, even if they make mistakes.
📚 Learn More in Our Reading Workshop – 28 June
Want to build confidence in your teaching methods? Join our practical and interactive reading workshop!
📖 Order Early Reader Books
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These are specially designed to support real reading growth.
💬 Final Thought
Learning to read isn’t about speed — it’s about understanding. Don’t rush the process. Support your child at every stage and celebrate progress one blend at a time.
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