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. But let us start with the first suggestion:
Practice, Practice, and Practice Some More
One thing you learn about children, very early in their lives, is that consistency is key. As a parent you have to stay consistent and dedicated to the goals you want to achieve with your children. Believe me we have our lazy days and get tired, but once you begin to see progress you will see no other choice but to keep pressing on. Set a schedule of how often to practice with your child, direct instruction is key no matter how old. If you can hold their attention for 1 minute, you can instruct them for that same amount of time several times throughout the day. I know many kids are hooked on electronics, but if you make their screen time meaningful by connecting what you're teaching them to them now seeing it interactively, they will pick up on the concepts quickly. Screen time is another form of practice and if you make that clear from the very beginning with your child, their devices will be used productively- time and content wise.
To learn more about this suggestion, contact us at info@cuenye.com
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