How to Learn to Read as an Adult: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning to read as an adult can feel daunting, but with the right approach and tools - like the Nardagani Reading Program - you’ll build confidence and fluency faster than you think. This guide walks you through a proven, step-by-step process tailored for struggling readers and ESL learners who want to learn to read effectively.
1. Understand Your Starting Point
Before diving in, take a moment to assess your current reading level:
Self‑evaluation quiz: Many adult learners benefit from an initial online reading assessment to identify strengths and gaps.
Set realistic goals: Do you want to read a newspaper article, an email, or a short story? Defining clear objectives helps you stay motivated.
An adult learner sits at a desk, focused on completing a basic reading skills assessment using pencil and paper. The setting is calm and supportive, capturing a meaningful step in their literacy journey
2. Learn the 12 Core Nardagani Symbols
The heart of the Nardagani Reading Program is its set of 12 simple symbols that map every English sound (phoneme) to a visual cue. Instead of guessing pronunciation, you’ll see exactly which sound to make when you see a letter or word nardagani.com.
Vowel sounds: Six symbols represent the major vowel sounds.
Consonant sounds: Six symbols cover consonants, including tricky ones like “th” and “ch.”
Why it works:
Clarity: No more silent‑letter confusion.
Speed: Recognize sounds at a glance, just like removing training wheels on a bike.
3. Practice Phonics with Interactive Exercises
Once you’ve memorized the symbols, reinforce them through guided practice:
App games: The Nardagani app features games that quiz you on symbol‑sound matches, helping adult learners to learn to read more efficiently.
Consistency is key, aim for 15–20 minutes of practice daily.
Playful illustration of a cat, ball, and sheep in Nardagani’s branding style
4. Practice Reading with Nardagani Tools
Once you’ve mastered a few symbols, it’s time to strengthen reading skills using Nardagani’s in-app exercises:
Short coded books and worksheets: These are available within the app. Each word displays symbols under the letters to help beginners practice decoding with ease.
Interactive reading games: Games such as matching, fill‑in‑the‑blank, and symbol‑word drills reinforce recognition and pronunciation through fun and immediate feedback.
Downloadable practice materials: Use printable worksheets and books coded with symbols for offline practice using pencil and paper - ideal for reinforcing skills away from the screen.
Practice tip:Spend 15–20 minutes per session practicing symbol‑word decoding using both digital and printable exercises. Aim for consistent daily practice.
Child holding tablet showing the Nardagani reading app interface with phonics symbols and app avatar
5. Transition Toward Regular Reading
As confidence grows, gradually move toward reading text without assistance:
Gradual removal of symbols: Begin by decoding text with Nardagani symbols, then move to books or passages from the suggested reading list that do not use symbols. This guides you from learning to reading independently.
Suggested reading progression: Start with simple, level‑appropriate texts recommended by the program - such as short stories or familiar content. Increase difficulty as fluency improves.
Supportive tutor mode: If available, use a tutor (parent, friend, or mentor) in tutor mode - guided by the app avatar - to read aloud together and encourage fluency.
Why the Nardagani Program Works for Adults
Self‑paced learning: The friendly avatar guides you step by step - no classroom pressure.
Engaging content: Interactive exercises, practice books, and quizzes keep boredom at bay.
Proven success: Learners of all ages and backgrounds report significant improvement within weeks.
By following these steps - assessing your level, mastering symbols, practicing consistently, and gradually increasing difficulty - you’ll finally achieve your goal to learn to read English with confidence.
Also Read
Why English is hard to learn? Rules, Exceptions, and a Smarter Way to Read
Ready to Get Started?
Visit the Nardagani Reading Program to download the app, explore sample lessons, and join thousands of adults who’ve transformed their reading skills.