My oldest son is now 8 years old and I have to admit (without sounding like a bragging mother) he is the best reader in his class and even listens to other children read to him. I thought I would share my secret and I hope it helps those of
you out there that are struggling to help your children love and enjoy learning to read....as I did in the beginning.
With most children, reading can be seen as a chore. I think that the first step to learning anything is showing them that anything can be fun, especially if we as parents encourage it. Turn every book into a party and of course reward them for trying, even if they get it wrong.
Ok lets start at the beginning...Firstly, practice what you preach. I am not only a scrapbooking fanatic as most of you are learning, but I adore reading. I would rather buy a book than a toy and have read to my children from the beginning of time...at least 10 minutes a day, usually before bed...it's a great routine to get them used to as they see it as a reward.
They themselves will not be ready to read until they can at least read most of the alphabet...remember patience...some parents like to compare their children to others...but if you read to them, even if they can't read themselves, they will slowly pick it up.
Now choosing the right types of books is also important. My sons love bugs, sharks and anything that goes fast usually cars or trains...you can mix it up more once they seem more confident is distinguishing words and that way their reading is varied, which is also important. Most books now days have age ranges, otherwise ask other parents...they usually have some great suggestions.
Once you notice them trying to read or more interested in books, set up a reward system. Children don't like to do anything unless there is something in it for them.
This is what I did...I got a piece of paper, drew 5 circles o it, wrote down the child's name and stuck it up on the fridge. I showed my child and explained that every time he tried to read a book, he would get a sticker (make them fun too). Then after 5 stickers he would be able to choose a small toy (cheap as chips is great on a budget) or a fun activity (going to the beach, swimming, or a family bbq). Every time he wanted to try and read I would be overly excited, pat and hug him and kick up a fuss so he always wanted to continue to try. Sometimes he would seem uninterested, but then I would remind him of the reward or bring out a new exciting book and he would again be keen. As he got older, I increased the number of circle and made the reward seem larger than it actually was.
The most important thing to remember is patience and smile even if you get frustrated...children don't want to be wrong or be a disappointment, so treating like one will only make them shy away from reading all together. Be overly excited and praise them, especially when they get things right. When they make a mistake try saying things like "that's great sweetheart, but the word is...but nice try!" Focus more on the good and move on quickly from mistakes...these will lessen over time.
I hope this has helped someone...anyone...from my experience if you show your kids the endless possibilities of reading, then they will want to keep on improving.
Some great Beginner/Intermediate reads (for them and for you to read to them):
Dr.Seuss (repetitive, rhyming books kids love), Things That Go (Hinkler books), Big Brother Little Brother (Penny Dale), Animal Lives series (Sally Morgan), Time For bed ( Mem Fox and Jane Dyer), Little Train (Opal Dunn and Bettina Paterson), Scholastic Readers, Walter the Farting Dog ( William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray), Touch and feel books, Billboards, Street signs anything and everything helps.
Good Luck!!
(May 27th) (
