I have always been told (by my wise mom) that there are two categories of students: those who are Learning to Read and those who are Reading to Learn! Both stages come with intimidating challenges. Let me share some of what I have learned. Today we will focus on the first stage: Learning to Read!
From the time a baby is very young we talk to them and sing to them… why not sing the ABCs early and often? Make sure books are available and a part of EVERY day and enjoy every picture by asking your child to really examine the pictures on the pages!
Most children can master this song (with perhaps the exception of the tricky “LMNO part” by the age of 3 or 4. That’s a good time to start pointing out the shapes that match the letter names! My children enjoyed alphabet tiles, puzzles and refrigerator magnets. To make it more personal the letters of their own name is a great place to start! You may even be able to invest in a personalized puzzle.
Soon after the natural next step is to add the sounds to these mysterious shapes that have funny names like “Bee” and “Double-You”! Consider purchasing Sounds like Fun from Discovery Toys or make up a song of your own. My children usually learned the song after just a few weeks of singing it once or twice a day.
Apple, Apple A A A Baby, Baby BBB… etc.
Focusing on one letter at a time reinforces this learning and you can even have art projects and snacks to go with the letter of the day. Remember to keep reviewing what they have already learned!!! Taking time to MAKE books is also an enjoyable way of learning and will often result in a precious keepsake!
Labeling your home is a good way to take this to the next level. Label shelves, drawers and boxes also enables the child to put things away properly while encouraging literacy.
I like to start “formal” reading lessons around age 4 or 5 with Teach Your Child to Read in 100 EZ Lessons. There are many other programs on the market, but this is one inexpensive option. Make sure to keep lessons short and FUN! Make reading a time of laughter rather than tears.
A great reward is play time on reading websites like STARFALL.COM… one of our favorites!
In our home another great incentive to read is being allowed to stay up a little later in the evening ONLY if they are reading. Try it, you may find that you will have to scold them to STOP reading!
Most of all, allow reading to be a joyful “get to” not a painful “have to”!
Lovingly and Prayerfully,
Christina
Christina and her family are in their 11th year of homeschooling. They believe that it CAN be done despite the many challenges of life! Every member of a family brings its own unique needs and blessings. Maybe some of what they have learned can be a blessing to YOU!
