Learning to Read

Read with Me

I was one of those moms that constantly was teaching my kids something new every chance I had. I guess that was the teacher mom in me doing my job. Both kids were non stop chatter boxes by the time they were 18 months old. They could recite their abc’s and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star with no problems. I read to them every single night before they went to bed. (even as tiny babies, just so they could hear new words) It kills me to see my students coming in not having that background. Not that I expect them to know how to read when I get them, but that they didn’t get that mom or dad time. My kids are in 2nd grade and are reading really well and it makes me so proud of them when we can go into a restaurant and they can read the menu themselves (or the Sonic menu HAHA). People will ask me if they had any problems learning to read and no they didn’t, but I exposed them to reading so early on that it was very natural for them.  I know that there are some obstacles that kids go through to become readers. Those are the kids I LOVE to teach. I love to see the look on their face when they get it and it makes sense. I want to do flips and yells because they got it. I was asked what I thought was the best way to teach kids. Well, here goes……. (it’s short I promise)

1. The foundation starts at home. Kids need to be read to by someone. Parents, Grandparents, Babysitters, anyone. That doesn’t mean you have to have a ton of books laying around. There are pictures and signs all around that can help get the job done. I loved the Noggin channel when the kids were little. (I think it’s Nick Jr. now). It was covered with letters for kids to learn in fun ways.

ABC and Picture books are great things to start with.

2. SAXON Phonics. I love the Saxon phonics program. Both the public and home school edition. It gives such a good foundation that kids can grow with. I know you will either love the program or hate it, but if you will really give it a try you child, your students will succeed!!!   (I've seen it on ebay a lot cheaper)

3. Read, Read, Read…..every chance your kids can get. Make it fun. My kids are good readers, but if they think they HAVE to read they protest. If I tell them to check the mail, caller ID, the recipe, or read the Wii game instructions to me they will do it and don’t even know they are reading.  :)

Hope this is helpful. Just on a side note. If you feel like your kiddo might be showing dyslexia traits and is struggling with reading Saxon can really help.