Contrary to what some people may believe, basic reading for kids is not an innate ability or natural process that occurs without someone’s help. Most people don’t even consider the process of learning to read until they’re tasked with having to teach their own children. While reading is a complex process, it’s never too early to start teaching your kids how to read – no matter how young they are you can promote basic reading for kids. Following are some techniques to help make learning to read a positive and useful experience.
Use Songs and Simple Rhymes to Teach Phonemes
Nursery rhymes and other children’s songs are fun for a child while also teaching kids to hear the sounds and syllables that form words based on their rhyme and rhythm. They help build phonic awareness (which is a fundamental skill for learning to read) by becoming aware of how words are sounded out.
Provide Opportunities to Focus on Letters and Words With a Child
Surrounding your child with things such as alphabet blocks, printed words on pictures in books, charts or cards allows them to familiarize themselves with words and their meanings from a young age and allow them to begin making connections between letters and the sounds they form. Even when outside the home with a child, parents can ask them to identify letters and words from signs and other material that they see to help them practice sounding out letters and words.
Be Aware of the Core Skills Required to Learn to Read
Parents need to be aware that learning to read requires combining a range of different skills. These are broken down into five essential components that a child will need to master:
• Phonemics – the ability to hear and produce the different sounds that form words
• Phonics – recognizing the connection between letter combinations and how they sound when spoken
• Vocabulary – understanding what words mean and how this can vary depending on the context in which they are used
• Comprehension – being capable of understanding the meaning of a text – both in stories and text that provides information
• Fluency – being able to read quickly, accurately and understand what is being read
Use Technology to Keep Children Engaged
It’s important that children find the process of learning fun so that they remain motivated and enjoy themselves. While a child is sometimes eager at the start they may sometimes feel overwhelmed and be tempted to give up. There is a range of software available on digital devices that makes learning to read a game that children will enjoy and that helps them remain motivated by using the psychological techniques that games developers use to drive engagement. This software can also keep parents appraised of the progress their child is making in improving their reading skills.