Teaching Reading
Teaching children to read is tricky. When to start, how to approach it, and what to do if it isn't working are probably the most common questions or concerns. And just when you teach one child to read, the next one that comes along is very different, and you have to start from scratch!
There is no magic age by which children must be reading or can read. Eliminating any special needs or delays in development, a child could begin reading independently as early as 4 or as late as 9. And I hate to even use the words "early" and "late" because there really is no such thing. They learn to read when they are ready. Ready to focus, sit still and put together the symbols on a page into words they can understand.
There are many books and curricula out there to help teach your child to read, and several philosophies and approaches and mediums. There are apps for your phone or computer programs for your PC. It's overwhelming for some and hard to decide what is best. We sometimes feel there is so much riding on this; that our kids' success or failure academically and in life depends on the best curriculum for reading!
But, really, it's not that hard. I have taught 6 kids how to read, and my 7th is in the process of learning. Two of my kids were as young as 4 and 5, some were 6 or 7, and a couple were 8 or 9. And I have learned a lot over the years as well.
1. If it's not working out, and your child is not getting it, take a break. Make sure there are no eye or hearing problems or other developmental issues going on. If there are, deal with those first. If not, then come back to it in 6 months or so. Don't panic and don't push. And don't ever make your child feel your frustration or that he is somehow a failure. Just keep reading aloud and enjoying all the other aspects of homeschooling.
2. Phonics, phonics, phonics. Whatever curriculum or book you use, it needs to be firmly grounded in phonics. Yes, there are some sight words that can't be sounded out, and need to be learned to make reading easier. But stick to phonics and your child will be able to sound out most words.
3. At some point, incorporate Latin and Greek roots into your child's life. So many of our words are based in these languages, that a passing familiarity with the written roots and how to pronounce them, can really help a child de-code the English language.
4. And most importantly, take your child into your lap and snuggle. All of my kids have learned to read this way. No electronic devices or apps. No sitting in front of the TV watching a reading video. In fact my older kids would tell you the best reading app is a Mom. And my youngest insists that my arms must be around her, as she learns her sounds; she says she can learn better that way.
Let the housework go, let the world go on without you. Teach your child to read in the safest place he knows: your arms. It is a fleeting moment in your time as a parent; and every second you spend in this endeavor will be priceless to you both.
There is no magic age by which children must be reading or can read. Eliminating any special needs or delays in development, a child could begin reading independently as early as 4 or as late as 9. And I hate to even use the words "early" and "late" because there really is no such thing. They learn to read when they are ready. Ready to focus, sit still and put together the symbols on a page into words they can understand.
There are many books and curricula out there to help teach your child to read, and several philosophies and approaches and mediums. There are apps for your phone or computer programs for your PC. It's overwhelming for some and hard to decide what is best. We sometimes feel there is so much riding on this; that our kids' success or failure academically and in life depends on the best curriculum for reading!
But, really, it's not that hard. I have taught 6 kids how to read, and my 7th is in the process of learning. Two of my kids were as young as 4 and 5, some were 6 or 7, and a couple were 8 or 9. And I have learned a lot over the years as well.
1. If it's not working out, and your child is not getting it, take a break. Make sure there are no eye or hearing problems or other developmental issues going on. If there are, deal with those first. If not, then come back to it in 6 months or so. Don't panic and don't push. And don't ever make your child feel your frustration or that he is somehow a failure. Just keep reading aloud and enjoying all the other aspects of homeschooling.
2. Phonics, phonics, phonics. Whatever curriculum or book you use, it needs to be firmly grounded in phonics. Yes, there are some sight words that can't be sounded out, and need to be learned to make reading easier. But stick to phonics and your child will be able to sound out most words.
3. At some point, incorporate Latin and Greek roots into your child's life. So many of our words are based in these languages, that a passing familiarity with the written roots and how to pronounce them, can really help a child de-code the English language.
4. And most importantly, take your child into your lap and snuggle. All of my kids have learned to read this way. No electronic devices or apps. No sitting in front of the TV watching a reading video. In fact my older kids would tell you the best reading app is a Mom. And my youngest insists that my arms must be around her, as she learns her sounds; she says she can learn better that way.
Let the housework go, let the world go on without you. Teach your child to read in the safest place he knows: your arms. It is a fleeting moment in your time as a parent; and every second you spend in this endeavor will be priceless to you both.
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