The earlier you expose your child(ren) to language the earlier they will become readers. Learning to read is a trained brain activity. While it may seem for some that reading is an innate ability that just happens, what is actually happening is the processing systems in our brain are functioning at an increased rate! This makes picking up language, oral and print, easily.
My son started to read words close to two years old and read books by the time he was three (he's four now). My daughter started reading words shortly after turning one year old and has been reading books a bit after one and a half years old (she's two now).
How is this possible? Follow this series of blog posts, "Grooming Stellar Readers" to learn how we are accomplishing this goal now.
In part four of “Grooming Stellar Readers” we wrote about pulling out those good ‘ole sticky notes. Sticky notes are a great tool to reinforce word knowledge, identification, and sorting. Plus they are colorful and mobile tools that will keep your little one engaged. Hopefully your child is engaging in learning new words on a consistent, daily basis. At this point, your child knows a good amount of words and it’s time to transition to index cards.
Index Card Upgrade (or is it?)
They may not be as flashy as sticky notes but they are still available in an assortment of colors. I use white index cards with different color markers for sight words. All the words your child is learning should build upon the next. When introducing a new set of 3-4 words, do not forget the previous words you have introduced. Add them to the pile. Previous words introduced should always be in rotation. When you have upgraded to index cards this means your little one knows quite a few sight words and is ready to review on their own. This is where independence plays a huge role right along with ownership. Our little ones love being in control. Simply present a handful of words that your child has shown mastery in being able to identify- if not I would still utilize index cards. Tell them they will read their sight words on their own. You will most likely have to hold the stack of cards and have your child read them off to you but eventually they will be in control of the stack. Picking up the card, moving it to the done pile or placing underneath the pile works all of their fine motor skills. Remember we are doing much more than it appears! If you notice your child pausing before reading the word automatically, then they should practice the word a bit more.
Practice this several times throughout the day to build stamina.
Click here to view sight words by grade level.
To learn more about how you can groom your child into a stellar reader, set up a consultation by contacting us at info@cuenye.com
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