Reading opens a world of knowledge, but learning to read can be a struggle for many children. It's easier than you might think to teach your own child to read, whether you're starting with a preschooler or working with a struggling school-age child. Several common methods will help teach early reading skills; one method isn't right for every child. Use what you know about your child's strengths and interests to create a reading plan geared to her needs.
Phonics
Phonics teaches children how to sound words out, letter by letter or sound by sound. Teach your child the sounds each letter makes as well as the name of the letter. Introduce one letter a day, starting at around age 4. Practice the letter sound out loud and in writing. Simple readers using short, easily read words can help to motivate your child to read. Many phonics books use popular characters from favorite children's television shows or book series to encourage reading. Learning phonics may allow your child to read a variety of books within just months. Encourage your child with activities at websites like Starfall.
Whole Word Learning
Whole word learning relies upon rote memorization. Some words may be linked to pictures; however, other words including adverbs, pronouns and prepositions cannot be connected to images. The child learns what letters make the word "cat," but they may not realize the link between each letter and the sound it makes. A literacy-rich environment is key to whole language learning, along with parental involvement. The Dolch sight word list includes many common words that cannot be sounded out with phonics and which are key to reading, according to the Reading Lesson website. These words can be taught with flashcards and repetition.
Context Support
Context support is all about creating an environment conducive to reading. While your child's teacher may provide her with phonics lessons, you can reinforce reading at home and help your child learn to read. Read with your child at least five or six times per week, suggests the Teaching Treasures website. Integrate reading and writing into daily life by encouraging your child to write letters to family, help write or read the grocery list and having them read to other family members. Allow your child to choose his own books by visiting the library regularly.
