Sep 5, 2008

Tips in Teaching Your Children How to Read

I've been teaching my 4 year old girl how to read for almost 3 months now I'm happy to say that she has really learned fast. Not only that she just loves to read EVERYTHING from her cornflakes labels, books, signages and even our Bible. No, no, she's not that an expert yet that she can read our Bible but the point is, she has that interest to read.

We haven't finished our book ( Teach Your Child How To Read in 100 Easy Lessons) yet.. we still have about 10 more days to go and I'll show her improvement after she finishes the entire book.

ANyways, here are my share of Tips in Teaching Pre-schoolers How To Read.

1) Make your reading lessons Fun! - There is always a tendency for us parents to be serious when it comes to teaching our kids. But if we make it fun for them, the more they will look forward to having our lessons with them. For me , I make faces when she sounds out the words wrongly, cheers loudly when she does a good job or crack jokes when needed.

2) Make your reading lessons short. The book I'm using is really good since each lesson is pre designed to be only 20 minutes. Sometimes, my Li'l girl will have to say after the lessons " we're done?"...This is better than, " I'm tired..I don't want to study anymore", isn't?

3) Be consistent. Reading needs constant practice that's why doing reading lessons everyday is just nice. There were times that Tricia and I missed our reading lessons ( we were traveling that time) and when we got back, it was really a struggle for her. She forgot many of the sounds. Words that used to be easy for her were now difficult.

4) Don't Force Your Children. Remember that your pre-schooler or child's capacity is not like that of an adult yet. Be more patient and don't force them to finish their lessons or read every word correctly. Give room for mistakes.

5)Be generous on giving praise.. Children really loves to be praised for their efforts. It sort of gives them a push to try their best once their praised for every correct sound or word they read.

6) Make reading materials visible everywhere and encourage them to read ( not force). When they try to read , just try to listen to them and only correct when they ask help. This will teach them that reading is not just for 'lessons' but they can do it anytime they please.

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