This feature explains six simple steps to teach your child to read.
1. Read to your child
It is through hearing stories that children are introduced to a wide range of words, which helps them build their own understanding of the world. They are exposed to a wide range of words, improving their vocabulary and at the same time stimulating their imagination. Most importantly this instills in them a love for books. Enjoyment while reading is fundamental in reading success in school-age children….so pick up a book now regardless of age!
2. Encourage and ask questions while reading
This is crucial in helping the child to comprehend what they are reading. For younger ones ask questions such as “Can you see the dog?” For older children ask questions before, during, and after reading the book, for e.g. “What do you think is going to happen?”, “Why do you think the boy is angry?” Identifying emotions, and asking the child if they have ever felt that way is a great way for them to make a connection with a story and its characters. Asking them to tell you what they remember from the story is fantastic in showing their own understanding of the book.
3. Set an example and read too!
Show your child that adults need to read too. Read around the house in front of them, we must not forget that children learn by example, so treat yourself to an attention-grabbing book and put your feet up. Your kids will thank you later!
4. Identify letters in their natural settings
Encourage your child to take in all the writing they are surrounded by for e.g. labels, traffic signs, clothing, billboards…. Children are naturally curious about their surroundings and use this to your advantage and teach away. Always keep in mind that the goal is to foster a child who loves to read.
5. Teaching phonics
Using various games, e.g. Alphabet crafts, snap (using letters on cards), tossing a small stone on the appropriate letter, and practicing writing the various phonics onto paper encourage your child to learn all the sounds. E.g. C-A-T the sounds are separated starting with “C”, then “A” followed by “T”. You can also ask your child “what sounds does Dog begin with?”
6. Blending
After saying the individual sounds, the ability to hear the dynamic of a word (known as blending) follows. This process must not be rushed for e.g. P-I-G is Pig, if you practice this often your child eventually will be able to blend simple words independently. Once they are confident blending CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words, you can move onto sight words and word families (mop, hop, pop).
Key Points
• Read to your child everyday.
• Let your child see you reading.
• Ask your child question before, during, and after reading.
• Look out for letters in the environment around you when out.
• Have fun rhyming!
• Work on individual letter sounds (phonics).
• Start blending together CVC words.
• Practice learning sight words each day once the child can blend.
• Have fun together to ensure your child loves books!
For any more information on teaching your child to read please like and follow me, Sonya Thiru, on Facebook, or contact The Rainbow Club directly on 07850045471.
