Reading Made Simple

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Learning to read is a simple task if we start with the basics. The things you will need are a notebook, primer reading book, kindergarten alphabet book and pencil.

First of all learn to hold the pencil properly. Find out which hand is dominant. This will be evident in children at about age four. They will tend to pick up things and reach out with one more than the other. It does not matter if they are right or left handed.

Next, start by writing our the letters of the alphabet. Write the a many times. Write it in print form. Write out the capital letter, then the smaller case letter. Do this with the whole alphabet. Write out each letter until you know the whole alphabet.

Spend time each day writing in your notebook. Once you know each letter, upper and lower case, start learning the vowels and their sounds. In English, they are A,E,I,O,U and sometimes Y. The vowels have long and short sounds. An A with a long sound sounds like A. A short vowel A sounds like AT. O sounds like OH which is an expression of surprise. A short O sounds like OOH or the O in the word YOU.

Once you have mastered the alphabet and its sounds, it is time to learn the other letters. These are called consonants. Each of these letters have a specific sound also.

Buy a dictionary and learn to spell correctly. Take time with books. Each book is like a prize. Do not depend on spell checking unless you need them, for we learn by our mistakes and curiosity.

When your children are small, read to them. Spark interest in reading by playing games when driving. Tell them you want to see how many red signs they see and ask them to tell you meanings of signs on the highway. It will keep them occupied so you can pay attention to your driving.

When your child is a teenager and asks you to spell a word for them, hand them a dictionary and have them look the word up. Show them how to use the spelling word at the top and bottom of the page.