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The important skill of reading doesn’t just happen. It must be learned. Therefore, it must be taught. There are numerous methods, strategies, and opinions about the best way to achieve reading fluency. For our family, reading is essential. It is a skill which will lead to the ability to read God’s Word and become wise in the understanding of their need for a Savior. We want our children to have access to the Bible through being able to study it for themselves as they learn the English language. The following tips and resources have been valuable in helping our children learn the what they need to know to begin reading on their own.
Ages 0-2
Little ones develop language through all they hear. Exposure to a variety of words will increase vocabulary and later make reading easier. At this very early age, we find it very important to sing to our children. Children love to sing, clap, and dance. They can easily learn words put to a tune. The ABC song is perfect for helping children learn their letters. Knowing all 26 letters is fundamental to learning how to read. Start a habit of reading to your child. This will help you make time for it as they grow older too. Children who are read to are more likely to enjoy reading later in life.
Ages 3-4
~Add Phonics: Once children know the letters of the alphabet, they will need to know that each letter makes at least one sound. Have them trace letters while saying the different sounds it can make. This will build both reading and writing skills.
~Read 15 minutes each day: If you have developed a habit of reading this won’t be too hard. Make it the same time each day if that helps. Books should be placed where children can easily reach them and bring them to you. Don’t hesitate to read books over and over.
~If the TV is on, then closed captioning should be on too: I learned this tip from my friends in the Deaf community. Closed Captioning is a wonderful tool for building reading skills and letter recognition. Children who watch a television program with CC, will hear the words and see them on the screen at the same time.
~Carry on conversations: Our children love to talk. They also love to ask questions. This is the perfect opportunity for parents to increase vocabulary in young children. The more words they hear, the easier it will be to sound them out later when they begin to read. When our son began sounding out words to read, he would grasp words more quickly if he had heard them before. If he tried to sound out a word that was unfamiliar to his ears, he would struggle to read it properly.
~Encourage them to make up stories: Use a picture and ask your child to tell a story about the particular image. They have wonderful imaginations! It also helps them form their thoughts and ideas into words.
~Correct their grammar mistakes: When children are young, they are trying to figure out this English language….it can be quite confusing. It is essential that we correct any grammar mistakes as we notice them. This will help them understand the correct order of words. It can assist in learning to read because they will be able to determine which words might come next in a story based on context.
Ages 5-6
~Don’t become frustrated if your child isn’t reading by age 6, but don’t give up! Keep reading. Work on blends (how letters sound when they are next to other letters).
~Utilize your local library: We are so thankful for our public library system. They have wonderful staff who are willing to help us find whatever book we may be searching for. Our children enjoy going to choose their own books. We have had access to many more books than we ever would have without the library!
~Choose interesting topics: Pay attention to your son or daughter’s interests. There are books written about almost every topic, so we are careful not to choose boring books that our children will dread reading.
~Read classics: There are wonderful stories that were written many, many years ago which are filled with beautiful language. Often they get overlooked today because they are “old fashioned” or “out-of-date”. There is no reason to exclude these tales from your reading list.
Resources we recommend:
Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons
Bob Books
Dick and Jane books
Seeking Wisdom,
