She had her own library early on so I looked forward to the day and days she could read on her own and out loud to others.
I wondered what would be the easiest approach, that would be fun and stress free. Something that could be accessed easily and possibly kept out at all times.
When teaching, routine and repetition is extremely important. Especially with little ones you have to be consistent and always follow up.
I started these lessons as soon as she could talk but perhaps got more specific in structure at age 2 1/2 to 3.
This is what I came up with and did.
Tools:
-flash cards
-sticky notes
-sharpie pen/marker
-tape
-pencil/crayon
So with these tools in hand I sat down and proceeded to write words on flash cards. Big and bold.
Simple one word on each card and taped it to subject.
Door
Chair
Book
Bed
Hat
Shoes
You get the picture? These cards were all over my house, in the bathroom, on the fridge, in the bedrooms.
They were always visible and I was always pointing them out.
At night when I would read to her I would have a sticky notes pad with me so I could write words out as I read them so she could practice and feel she was reading to me too.
This was another great way for us to bond and enjoy each others company.
When her dad would play with her she would point out things and feel proud she new it's name.
When company came over she would walk them around to the notes taped on things.
Her rewards were simple, a hug, a kiss, extra play time or a treat. Animal crackers or extra play at bath time but we always made sure we told her why she was getting these things so she could match action to reaction.
An inexpensive method of teaching that brings a priceless reward!
What other methods can you think of to encourage and teach our little ones to read?
While I am a huge believer that plain 'ol fashioned reading together is the most useful and effective) method of all, Scotty and I also form words on a Step2 two-sided easel we bought him for Christmas.One side of the easel is dry-erase chalk board, and the other is white and magnetic which allows for applying sticky foam letters. Scotty will be 3 in September and already knows his alphabet, his primary colors (including pink, purple, and brown), and can count to 14. He's learned so far to spell his name, milk, peek, and car.
ReplyDeleteI'd say reading -- and lots of time together -- has been out ace in the hole. And that easel has been the cherry on top...
Courtney, thanks for visit and share. Sounds like you guys have a great tool :) xo
DeleteI have sticky notes all over my house with each items name on it. I also switch them around every now and then and let her finny she usually will walk past the word and double back and say Hey, who did this? Then proceeds to put it where it belongs.
ReplyDeleteNatasha, thanks for visit and share :) Love your method!!! xo
DeleteI'm a big fan of flashcards also! My son loves to read. I was hoping he would. Books are such a gift :).
ReplyDeleteOMG I agree Candace, I can't imagine if my daughter didn't love books as much as I do!!! Thanks for visit and comments :)
DeleteThis is a really useful way to teach language. Wonderful tips!
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! These are really great ways to introduce language to young children.
ReplyDeletePreslaysa, thanks for visit and comments. I think flash cards have so many uses language I am sure just one of many!!! :)
DeleteThese are great tips. The one we are doing right now with my 4-year-old that she particularly enjoys is alphabet bingo - which is just that - bingo - but with the letters of the alphabet. Fun for reinforcing letter recognition! We also read daily and its a favourite activity. So far no reading from her - but the imagination is pretty incredible :) - Louise
ReplyDeleteWonderful glad to hear about the tools your using, she will be reading in no time!!
DeleteGreat post Mari. A really simple and active way to teach!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, thank you appreciate visit and comment :)
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