Many People Help Kids Learn to Read
Like most experiences in life, teaching your child to read is done by people with a wide variety of backgrounds. Although this blog is titled mom’s teaching, it also applies to dads, tutors, grandparents, big sisters, brothers and cousins, and anyone else involved in the process of helping a child learn to read. It stands to reason that your experience will determine your needs in a “learn to read” program.
The Most Important Aspect: Learn to Read
One universal truth about learning to read is that “reading” should be at the core of the program. It is a widely known fact that you get better at reading by being read to or by reading developmentally appropriate, interesting books. Phonics is great for preparation, but reading is the end goal.
“When adults read to children, discussing story content, asking open-ended questions about story events, explaining the meaning of words, and pointing out features of print, they promote increased language development, comprehension of story content, knowledge of story structure, and a better understanding of language– all of which lead to literacy success. Berk, L. E. (2009). Child Development (8th ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.” Ferst Readers.
When to Start?
“Experts are nearly unanimous in stating that babies should routinely experience shared books as soon as they experience shared talking, that is, during the first weeks and months of life. Butler, D. (1998). Babies need books. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.” Ferst Readers .
So, the answer is to start the preparation for learning to read as soon as possible.
Reading a storybook to your baby has many benefits – an introduction to language through vocabulary cadence, expression as well as preprint readiness – how to turn the pages, enjoyment of the story, stimulation of memory and introduction to sophisticated vocabulary.
So, whether you read to your child or your child reads to you, there are many life-long benefits for engaging in this process.
Different Moms as Homeschooler: Learn To Read
Top of Her Game
Situation
- experienced, is a professional, perhaps even a primary teacher
- has her own opinions about methods and what is valuable in a program
Looking for
- innovative approaches to expand her repertoire of approaches
- Professional teaching material to enhance her knowledge
Experienced Homeschooler
Situation
- has already helped one or more of her kids learn to read
- confident in her abilities and knows what she wants
Looking for:
- wide range of engaging activities
- research-based approach
Teacher- not for Primary Children
Situation
- understands how to teach but needs specifics about methods for primary children
Looking for
- ways to approach young children
- comprehensive, evidence-based program to follow
An Organizer
Situation
- prefers every item in its place with labels and folders
- details oriented
- saves materials for future use
Looking for
- a program that is sequential and doesn’t skip any parts
- clear and detailed directions
- enjoys using the various activities to achieve small continuous gains
Busy Mom: Homeschooler Plus other Responsibilities
Situation
- mom with many responsibilities, besides homeschooling
- has time constraints
- my have younger children who need care
Looking for
- prescriptive, all-encompassing program that is easy to implement
- guidance about child development
- ways to overcome common misconceptions such as letter reversals
- some independent, educational activities
Just Starting Out
Situation
- new mom, has made the choice to homeschool and has the best intentions
- loves to interact with her child
- has the time to devote to the task
Looking for
MAXIMUM SUPPORT
- A program that includes every aspect of literacy
- Simple and understandable instructions for every lesson
- Guidance about child development
- Engaging activities, appealing materials and stories
- Testimonials that match her needs
- Advice about excellent storybooks to expand the reading experience
Comparison of 4 Programs
| Program | All About Reading | Hooked On Phonics | Jolly Phonics | Teach Your Child to read in 100 Lessons | ||||
| Comprehensive | 5 level program | 8 Level program | Starts with sounds & builds in grammar concepts. | Starts with sounds, moves through blending & into reading | ||||
| Tutorials for Parents | How to Articles | Phonics videos to explain concepts | Training courses and e-learning | FREE videos | ||||
| Length of program | 5 years | 4 years | 7 years | from age 3 to 6 | ||||
| Placement Tests | yes | |||||||
| Apps, Electronic games, etc | Phonogram & letter tiles app | – 275 interactive games – Learn to Read App | – music and games available | |||||
| Music | 100 songs | songs available | ||||||
| Resources | flashcards multitude of resources | flashcards | Flashcards | |||||
| Guarantee | 1 year | 1st month free 30 day | ||||||
| Based on Research | Orton-Gillingham approach multi-sensory, a logical sequence with no gaps | over 5 million families & thousands of schools | Aligns with common core curriculum, case studies & research | Dr. Phyllis Haddox, co-author, conducted research with positive results. | ||||
| Testimonials/ Awards Link | All About Learning | Awards Reviews | Research | Testimonials | ||||
All of the above programs have their merits. All are based on research and all have credible testimonials. Some have creative activities to enhance your child’s engagement. One has a method to determine where to start, with pretests to determine levels.
You will also find some free resources to assist you in helping your child learn to read. Take a look at these.
Free Resources for Reading and Spelling: There are many free resources associated with our program from activities to advice. Try out any that appeal to you. Our mission is to provide you with as much support as you need to lead to success in teaching your child to read or spell. With the right approach your child will be engaged by learning to read and spell.
The important point is to start the journey and continue with the lessons. And if a lesson gets too tedious, stop and begin again on a new day.
Related Articles
1. How to Select a Phonics Program: 5 Criteria Start prereading skills early
2. Use workbooks and activities effectively. 9 Tips and Tricks for using Phonics to Teach Reading
3. Parents get some advice from an expert teacher for helping your young child learn about reading. How Do I Teach reading to My Preschooler Testimonial: Hira Adnan thanku its really considerable.
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