Kindergarten Reading Levels and Home Reading Homework

Struggling to make home reading homework meaningful and stress-free? Discover practical tips, free resources, and easy-to-use strategies to set up an effective home reading program for kindergarten students. Download my FREE Home Reading Guide and start simplifying your homework process today!

Have you ever sighed at the end of the day, knowing you still need to set homework for your students? 

At my school, we have to set homework. I’m personally not a big supporter of mandatory homework but if I have to set it – I want to make sure it is meaningful. 

I want engaging tasks that don’t overwhelm me, my students, or their families. 

Enter Reading Homework!

Reading homework is one of those tasks that can feel a bit like a double-edged sword. It is very important for your students’ growth, yet organising it is another mammoth task on your already full plate.

Last year, one of my students’ parents met me at the classroom door, looking frustrated. She said, “I know home reading is important, but I’m not sure we’re doing it right. Are we supposed to finish the whole book every night? My son gets stuck on so many words, and it’s starting to feel like a chore for both of us.” I could see the concern in her eyes. She wanted to help her child succeed but felt stuck - unsure if her efforts were enough - or even helpful.

This kind of frustration is all too common, and as teachers, we feel it too. 

Balancing curriculum requirements with practical, engaging homework can be challenging. Add to that the task of supporting families, many of whom may not have the tools or strategies to make home reading an enjoyable experience, and it’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed.

But I found some different ways to make home reading purposeful, manageable, and dare I say - even fun!

The trick is to set up a home reading program that works for you and your students—a program that builds reading skills, fosters a love of books, and strengthens the connection between school and home. 

Over the years, I’ve developed strategies that turn our reading homework into a helpful habit rather than a stressful headache. I made small but impactful changes that have not only eased my workload but have also made a big difference for my students and their families.

In this blog post, I’ll share how to set up an effective home reading program that takes the stress out of homework and helps your students become skilled readers. 

You’ll learn practical tips, discover high-quality resources, and gain insights into why home reading matters so much for young readers’ growth.

Ready to transform the way we think about home reading? 

Read on!

What is Home Reading? Understanding its Purpose and Value

Home reading is a simple yet powerful way to support young children’s literacy development. At its core, it involves setting aside time each day for children to read or be read to by a family member. 

These special moments at home go way beyond decoding words on a page - they’re about building confidence, developing reading fluency, and fostering a lifelong love of books. 

Home reading should be enjoyable, purposeful, and designed to strengthen the connection between school and home.

The Benefits of Home Reading for Young Readers

Consistent home reading has been shown to play a vital role in developing early literacy skills.

Don’t think about it as just ticking off a box on the reading log! It should be about creating opportunities for children to practise essential skills such as vocabulary building, comprehension, and oral language development. 

When young readers engage with books regularly, they 

• develop a deeper understanding of new words and concepts

• gain better fluency

• improve their ability to make sense of stories

Research also supports the emotional and social benefits of home reading. 

Sharing a book with a parent or caregiver strengthens family bonds, encourages meaningful conversations, and helps children feel supported in their learning journey. 

For struggling readers, this can be a great way to provide extra support in a relaxed, low-pressure environment, reinforcing reading strategies they’ve learned in the classroom.

The Data Behind Reading Homework

While I’m not a big supporter of homework for young children (research consistently shows that excessive homework in the early years has little to no positive impact on learning), there is a clear exception though - reading homework! 

There is substantial research supporting the benefits of reading to children from birth. 

A recent Australian-led study, as reported by The Australian, found that babies who are read to from birth start school with larger vocabularies and greater interest in reading. The study involved sending books to 86,000 new parents across five countries and revealed that children regularly read to from birth were more likely to know letters, words, and use complex sentences by age three. 

Additionally, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that one in six children has not been read to or told stories by the time they turn two. This lack of early exposure to reading can result in children starting school behind their peers in literacy skills. 

💥 If homework is mandated by school policy, reading should be the primary focus. 

Home reading not only supports literacy development but also strengthens the bond between children and their families, making it a valuable activity beyond traditional homework tasks.

Statistics also show the value of family involvement in home reading. The Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation reports that reading with a child for just 15 minutes a day can expose them to over a million words in a year, significantly boosting their vocabulary and reading comprehension.

It’s no surprise that this is one of the most important gifts we can give to young children.

Why Home Reading Should Be the Top Homework Priority

I understand that homework can be a polarising topic among educators and parents alike. Little children need plenty of free play, outdoor adventures, and unstructured time to explore the world around them. 

Homework should never come at the expense of those vital experiences.

However, if homework is a requirement at your school, like it is at mine, then reading homework should be at the top of your list.

Reading is the kind of homework that doesn’t feel like homework. It’s a great way to make learning meaningful, enjoyable, and connected to family life. 

With the right resources, like reading logs or home reading guides, and by focusing on fun books and reading materials that are at the right level for your students, you can set them up for success without creating additional stress for yourself or their families.

Why Home Reading Matters for Kindergarten Students

Home reading is a meaningful way to support a child’s academic growth while fostering connection and confidence. For kindergarten students, this daily habit builds early reading skills and sets the stage for a lifelong love of books.

Academic and Emotional Benefits of Home Reading

Home reading offers so much more than academic progress. It can be a way for young children to connect with their families and also build foundational skills for success. 

Sitting down to share a book together fosters a bond between children and their caregivers. It helps to create a warm, supportive environment where learning feels natural and enjoyable. For many children, this shared time helps to establish a routine too. Home reading can also reinforce the idea that reading is a valuable and a rewarding part of everyday life.

Academically, the benefits of reading at home are clear. 

Research shows that reading regularly with children improves their early reading skills, including vocabulary development, comprehension, and oral language abilities. 

For kindergarten students, these skills are the essential for future literacy success. In fact, early reading skills are strongly linked to academic performance later in life, as they provide the foundation for mastering more complex texts and concepts across content areas.

Emotionally, home reading creates an opportunity for young children to experience a sense of accomplishment. Completing a story or decoding new words builds their confidence and shows them that they are capable of tackling challenges. This is especially important for struggling readers, as the support and encouragement of a family member can make the difference between frustration and progress.

Building Lifelong Reading Habits

One of the most important gifts we can give to young children is the habit of reading. 

For kindergarten students, home reading is often their first opportunity to take ownership of their learning. It introduces them to the idea that books can be a source of joy, comfort, and adventure and not just something they have to do in the classroom. 

Over time, these children begin to associate reading with positive emotions and experiences, making them more likely to choose books over screens or other activities.

The routine of reading at home also teaches children critical thinking and organisational skills.

Whether it’s choosing a book from their home reading basket or tracking their progress on a reading log, these small steps teach them to take responsibility for their learning in a way that feels natural and fun.

Why Kindergarten Homework Should Prioritise Home Reading

If your school requires you to set homework, home reading should be at the top of the list. 

Unlike other tasks, reading homework offers both academic and emotional benefits, making it a truly valuable activity. As all us educators know -  for young children, reading is not just about learning to decode words—it’s also about 

• developing early reading skills

• discovering favourite characters

• and growing their imagination

Home reading also supports a more inclusive classroom environment. Students who practise at home are better equipped to participate in small group activities like book talks, and other literacy activities. 

By encouraging your families to guide their children through enjoyable, age-appropriate books, we can ensure that every child, including struggling readers, has the chance to thrive.

Creating a Home Reading Routine: Tips for Teachers

Home reading doesn’t need to be complicated to be effective. 

By setting up a clear and structured routine, you can make it easy for your families to have meaningful reading practice at home while also keeping the whole process manageable for yourself. 

Here’s how to create an effective home reading program that works for everyone.

Step 1: Set the Tone with Clear Expectations

The first step to creating a successful home reading routine is to help your families understand the importance of reading at home. 

At the beginning of the year, send home a simple letter or guide explaining how your program will work and why it’s beneficial for their child’s growth. 

Include tips such as:

• When to Read: Encourage families to choose a consistent time each day, like before bed or after dinner, to make reading part of their daily routine.

• How to Read: Explain the importance of making it fun, whether by taking turns reading or discussing their child’s favourite characters.

Remind parents that the goal is to build confidence and joy in reading—not perfection. I believe reading the same book multiple times is a great way to reinforce skills and grow a beginning reader’s skills and knowledge.

Step 2: Use Home Reading Folders to Stay Organised

A home reading folder is a simple way for you to keep everything your parents need in one place.

My folders include:

• Reading Materials: Three books or cards at the right level for each student (rotated weekly).

• Reading Log: A place for parents to track their child’s reading progress and write down any comments or questions.

• Instructional Sheets: Quick guides with prompts for parents to use during reading time, such as “What do you think will happen next?” or “Can you point to the new word we just learned?”

💥 I’ve found that using a special ziplock bag to hold any books inside the folder helps protect them from spills or damage. This is a great idea that has saved me from replacing countless books over the years!

Step 3: Provide The Right Materials to Support Parents and Students

Home reading is most effective when parents feel confident in guiding their child. To make this easier, I use my Home Reading Cards for PM Readers, which are designed specifically for early readers using the PM Starters series. 

These cards:

• Reinforce sight words or rather - high frequency words introduced at the Magenta Starters Level One.

• Include simple sentences with picture clues, helping children practise decoding skills while building their vocabulary.

• Support struggling readers by providing structured, easy-to-follow tasks that parents can use.

Parents can use these cards as a guide during reading sessions, or children can use them to practise independently. Many teachers have told me these cards are a lifesaver when it comes to making reading homework engaging and purposeful.

What I love most about these cards - Reading books are expensive and costly to replace when they go missing at home but these cards are sooo cheap to replace. You just print and laminate a new one. So much cheaper than replacing reading books!

Step 4: Make it Easy for Parents to Get Involved

Not every family has a bookshelf filled with kids' books, and that’s okay. 

Encourage parents to visit their local library with their child to find new books or to borrow free books from your school or classroom library. 

You can also provide a weekly “book talk” to introduce fun books related to current classroom topics. This goes a long way in sparking some excitement for reading at home.

Step 5: Keeping it Simple for Teachers

An effective home reading program doesn’t have to add to your workload. 

Use reading logs to track student progress and rotate books weekly to keep things fresh and manageable.

If you’re short on time, consider creating a checklist for parents to follow, making it easier for everyone to stay on track.

By setting up a home reading routine that’s clear, organised, and supported by the right tools, you’ll help your parents and students feel confident and excited about reading. 

It’s a great way to ensure that home reading becomes a source of joy and growth, rather than a headache!

How Often Should Children Read at Home? Guidelines for Parents and Teachers

"How often should my child read at home?" 

This is one of the most common questions I hear from parents at the beginning of the year. 

They want to support their child’s growth but often feel unsure about what’s realistic or effective. 

The answer is simple: consistency matters more than perfection.

Reading Frequency Recommendations: Striking a Balance

Daily reading is one of the best habits children can develop, even if it’s only for 10 to 15 minutes a day. 

Research shows that frequent reading helps young children build fluency, expand their vocabulary, and improve comprehension. 

But more importantly, it makes reading a familiar and enjoyable part of their routine.

I always tell parents that it’s about finding a rhythm that works for their family. Some may read every night before bed, while others may choose mornings or weekends. The goal is to create a consistent routine where their child feels supported and confident and NOT to make reading feel like a chore.

One tip I often share is that re-reading the same book multiple times is not only okay—it’s incredibly beneficial. 

Each time a child revisits a story, they strengthen their understanding of the words and the flow of the text. Re-reading helps build fluency and confidence, turning “struggling readers” into skilled ones.

From a Teacher’s Perspective: Flexibility Leads to Success

When I send home three books each week, I let parents know there’s no pressure to finish all of them in a set way. Some families like to read one book per night, while others prefer to read the same book multiple times over the week. Either approach works. The important thing is that their child is reading regularly and enjoying the process.

I remember one year when a parent came to me concerned because their child wanted to re-read The Hungry Caterpillar every single night – over and over!

She worried that this wasn’t enough variety. But by the end of the term, her child had not only mastered the story but was also using its structure to create their own “hungry” stories during writing time. Re-reading had helped that child develop fluency and even inspired creativity in their writing!

Flexibility is something I always highlight to families.

If their child wants to read and re-read a favourite book, that’s fantastic. If they want to explore new books from their home reading shelf, that’s wonderful too. 

What matters most is that they’re engaging with books in a way that feels meaningful to them.

Making It Work: A Realistic Reading Schedule

For busy families, a reading routine doesn’t need to be rigid to be effective. 

A sustainable schedule might look like:

• 15 minutes a day: This could include reading together or taking turns.

• A few times a week: Some weeks are busier than others, and that’s okay. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Weekend catch-ups: If weeknights are full, encourage families to carve out extra time on weekends to sit down with their child and enjoy a story.

The key is to reassure parents that every bit of reading helps.

Whether it’s flipping through a picture book on a rushed morning or sharing a fun book during a quiet moment at night, these little moments add up to big progress.

Supporting Parents and Building Confidence

It’s important to guide families through the process, especially if they’re feeling unsure. 

I like to send home a quick checklist of reading strategies, such as using picture clues, pointing out new vocabulary, or asking questions about the story. This helps parents feel more confident in their role as reading partners.

You can get my Free Parent Guides HERE.

When parents ask, “How often should my child read at home?” I always answer with: “As often as it fits into your routine, but aim for little and often.” 

This realistic and flexible approach ensures that reading becomes a joy, not a struggle, for both parents and children.

Supporting Parents with Home Reading Guides and Strategies

When it comes to home reading, parents often have plenty of questions. They want to support their child’s learning but may not know where to start or worry that they’re “doing it wrong.” 

By addressing their concerns with clear, actionable guidance and practical resources, we can help our families feel confident and empowered in their role as reading partners.

Common Questions from Parents

Over the years, I’ve heard the same questions from parents time and again:

• “What should I do if my child gets stuck on a word?”
  Encourage parents to wait a moment before stepping in, allowing their child time to sound it out. If they’re still struggling with decoding phonetically, suggest using picture clues or discussing the context of the sentence.

• “How many books should we read each week?”
  Let them know it’s about quality, not quantity. Reading and re-reading two or three books is just as beneficial as working through many.

• “What if my child doesn’t want to read?”
  Suggest making it fun—choose books with favourite characters, create a cosy reading spot, or let the child pick their book from a reading basket.

These are just a few examples of the concerns parents may bring up. By providing easy-to-follow guides, you can give your families strategies to make home reading a positive experience for everyone involved.

Free Home Reading Printables

To help parents navigate home reading, I’ve created a set of FREE printables for reading homework, which you can download from my Free Resource Library. These guides include:

• A home reading guide with simple strategies for parents to help their children decode words and understand stories.

• Sample home reading cards to print and use over and over.

Providing these resources not only answers parents’ questions, but also builds their confidence in supporting their child’s learning at home.

Home Reading Cards for PM Starters Emergent Readers

For beginning readers, structured support is key. That’s why I love using my Home Reading Cards for PM Readers, designed specifically for emergent readers at the PM Magenta Starters Level One. 

These cards:

• Focus on reinforcing the high frequency sight words used in the PM starters series.

• Include simple, predictable sentences supported by picture clues.

• Help children build confidence as they learn to decode and recognise high-frequency words.

Parents can use these cards alongside their child’s home reading books to provide extra practice or as an independent activity.

Many teachers have shared that these cards are a game-changer for supporting their young readers, especially those who need a little extra help.

Make Home Reading Easier with these Ready-to-Use Reading Cards

If you’ve ever struggled to find just the right resources to support your home reading program, you’re not alone. One of the biggest challenges teachers face is ensuring that their beginning readers have the tools they need to practise effectively—without overwhelming them or their families.

That’s why I created these Home Reading Cards. Designed to reinforce the high frequency words introduced in the PM Magenta Starters Level One series, these simple, engaging cards give my students the structured practice they need to build their reading confidence, develop fluency, and master key early literacy skills.

Why Teachers LOVE these Reading Cards for Home Reading

✅ Perfect for Home Reading Homework – Parents often wonder how to support their child’s reading at home. These cards take the guesswork out of it by providing simple, predictable sentences with built-in picture clues, helping children develop reading skills in a stress-free way.

✅ Build Fluency & Confidence – Beginning readers thrive on repetition and familiar sentence structures. These cards allow students to practise high-frequency words and sight words introduced in the PM Magenta Starters books, reinforcing their skills through re-reading, decoding, and picture-supported learning.

✅ No More Lost Books – We’ve all been there—books sent home never make it back! With these printable reading cards, it’s easy to replace a missing one without losing track of a student’s progress. Simply print and send home whatever your students need.

✅ Flexible for Classroom Use – Whether used as a guided reading warm-up, an independent reading station, or a quick small-group literacy activity, these cards fit seamlessly into your daily routine at school as well. They’re perfect for literacy rotations, morning work, and even buddy reading.

✅ Easy to Prep, Easy to Use – Just print and laminate. Each card features a clear, structured sentence with picture clues to help struggling readers decode with confidence. Plus, for students who find a full card overwhelming, you can cut them into sentence strips for a more manageable experience.

What’s Included?

• 12 Home Reading Cards aligned with the PM Magenta Starters Level One series.

• 84 sentences covering all the sight words introduced in this level.

• Matching picture clues to support decoding and comprehension.

If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and engaging way to support your beginning readers—both at home and in the classroom—these Home Reading Cards for PM Readers are exactly what you need.

📥 Download your set today and make home reading easier for everyone!

Empowering Families to Support Reading at Home

By answering common questions and providing high-quality resources, you can transform the home reading experience for your families. 

Whether it’s through my free printables, structured reading cards, or simple strategies, these tools make it easier for parents to feel involved and for their children to succeed.

Interested in learning more about my PM Home reading cards and how I use them for home reading? Check out this blog post: Home Reading Cards to Support PM Starters Emergent Readers

How to Organise and Track Home Reading Homework

Home reading programs are most effective when they’re organised and easy to manage for both teachers and families. 

With the right tools and systems in place, you can streamline the whole process while still keeping a clear view of each student’s progress. 

Here are some practical strategies to help you stay on top of your home reading program without it feeling overwhelming.

Easy Management Tips

1. Use Reading Logs to Track Progress
A simple reading log or a recording sheet is one of the easiest ways to keep home reading organised. These logs allow parents to record what books their child has read, how often they’ve read, and any observations or challenges they’ve noticed. 

For teachers, it’s a quick and effective way to get a snapshot of each student’s reading habits without having to chase down details.

2. Implement Quick Check-Ins
At the start of the week, take a few moments to ask students how their reading went. Did they have a favourite book? Did they learn a new word? These informal check-ins provide valuable insights into their experiences and help build continued excitement about reading.

3. Encourage Parent Feedback
Invite parents to share their observations or questions in a dedicated section of the reading log or a separate feedback form. For example, they might note if their child enjoyed a particular story or struggled with specific vocabulary. This feedback is so useful in guiding your teaching and also for helping parents feel involved in their child’s progress.

Monitoring Progress

Track Reading Milestones
Monitoring student progress doesn’t have to be time-consuming. 

Use a simple system to track milestones like:

• Books completed.

• Improvements in reading fluency.

• Mastery of high frequency words.

By maintaining a record of these achievements, you’ll be able to celebrate successes with students and parents, reinforcing positive reading habits.

Incorporate Observation Tools
A quick observation checklist can be invaluable for tracking key skills during classroom reading time. 

For example, note how well a student:

• Uses phonics to decode words.

• Recognises and reads sight words.

• Retells a story in their own words.

These checklists provide a clear and efficient way to assess growth over time while helping you identify areas where extra support may be needed.

Provide Updates to Parents
Share progress updates with families regularly to keep them informed and engaged. 

This could be a quick note in the reading log or a more detailed summary at parent-teacher meetings. 

Highlighting their child’s achievements, such as learning new vocabulary or improving reading fluency, motivates parents to stay involved.

Keeping it Manageable

The key to organising and tracking home reading homework is simplicity. 

A well-structured system, like reading logs and observation checklists, helps you stay on top of the program without adding unnecessary work to your day. 

By keeping the process efficient, you’ll have more time to focus on what matters most: supporting your students’ growth and fostering their love of reading.

Supporting Student Success with Effective Home Reading

Home reading is one of the most powerful tools we have as teachers to support our students’ academic and emotional growth. By making it meaningful, manageable, and enjoyable, we can foster a lifelong love of reading while also strengthening the connection between school and home.

Throughout this blog post, we’ve explored practical strategies for setting up a home reading program, from creating consistent routines to using tools like reading logs and observation checklists. 

We’ve also discussed how to guide parents through the process, ensuring they feel confident in supporting their child’s reading journey. 

By keeping things simple and focused, I know you can create a program that benefits your students without adding extra stress to your workload.

The best part? 

You don’t have to do it all! 

I’ve created resources like my FREE Home Reading Guide and Home Reading Cards for PM Readers to make implementing your home reading program even easier. 

These tools are designed to save you time, provide parents with clear guidance, and give students the support they need to thrive.

Ready to get started?

• Download your FREE Home Reading Guide from my resource library to access practical tips and printable materials.

• Check out my Home Reading Cards for PM Readers to help your beginning readers reinforce high frequency words and build confidence.

With the right tools and a little organisation, you’ll turn reading homework into an activity that your students look forward to, parents appreciate, and you can feel proud of.