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 three of “Grooming Stellar Readers” we wrote about starting small. Introducing your child to the alphabet and sounds is not as simple as it seems. Theoretically there is a sequence of teaching letters and sounds based on different factors. But once you have established what works best for your child it is time to pull out those good ‘ole sticky notes and move on to sight words.
Good ‘Ole Sticky Notes
You may have started introducing words for your child to recognize by sight prior to learning their alphabet letters and sounds. That’s great! This simple fun tip is to promote print awareness around the house and assess if your child truly recognizes words. Now what are sight words?
Sight words, also known as high-frequency words, are words that a child can directly read by sight. This means they automatically recognize and read the word. There is no decoding needed. But it is important to note that there are sight words that are decodable. Decodable means one is able to use phonics skills (their knowledge of letters and sounds) to blend and read the word.
Sight words are categorized by grade level: Pre-k, kindergarten, first grade, etc. Start with Pre-k by introducing two to three words to your child at a time. If you notice this may be too much then start at one. Then take the following into consideration:
Present and read the word aloud to your little one making sure the word is visible to your child
Point out the letters in the word by spelling the word aloud, pointing to each letter and then saying the word
Repeat the word again and have your child repeat the word
Follow the sequence with the next word or two
Now write these words on sticky notes (one word per sticky note)
Post the 2-3 words on your fridge, or wall mixed up.
Ask your child to find the word….
Have them move the word to its own area and be sure they are saying the word
Continue until your child has sorted each word
Not only is your child learning how to recognize and say words, but they are identifying and sorting. What a great way to check for accuracy.
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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