Reading

[Kaitlin'smom]

Anyone got some good tips on how to help a child to read? Kait has been asking and is really showing interest in wanting to read and I so want to encourage and use that. Any good DVD's, books, or websits?

TIA

[daycare mom]

I don't know how effective this is compared to other things, but my DD loves flashcards and the magnet board. I draw a letter (large and small) on the magnet board, and she copies it. After a while of that, we started using large flashcards (52 of them) each letter has a picture on the back using that letter. It's her favorite game, and she can recognize all the letters and draw 90% of them already.

I've also read that you should teach the letters out of order. I can't remember why offhand, but that it is important. Maybe so they don't just memorize what letter is SUPPOSED to come next, like memorizing a book.

[coasterqueen]

Those Leap Frog DVD's are supposed to help. Kylie has the letter one down pat, and trying with the word one, but isn't as interested just yet.

[jcc64]

How old is she?

After a slow start, we are now big fans of "The Letter Factory" dvd's (thanks to Karen and Dee Dee). It's pretty amazing how quickly Corey picked up the phonics part of letter recognition from just a few weeks of watching.
There are 2 ways to teach reading- whole language and phonics. Back when my oldest was learning to read, it was a pretty hot debate in the schools as to which was the best way to go. Over the years, I think a combination approach emerged, with bits and pieces of each. In short, phonics is the way I learned as a child (and the way the Letter Factory works)- learning sounds and putting them together to form words. Whole language affords a child reading success through context- alot of books with very predictable patterns, so that at first, the child isn't actually reading the word, but figuring it out from the context of the surrounding story and pictures. Eventually, they master common sight words simply from seeing them over and over again. I like this b/c the kids get excited and feel a sense of accomplishment much quicker than with phonics- but I think phonics is essential nonetheless.
Good luck. My advice would be to reign in the temptation to push, keep it fun and light and let her take the lead. Sounds like you're off to a good start.

[Kaitlin'smom]

She is 3. We have the Letter factory, I got it for her for Valentines day and she LOVES it, I also ordered the reading one but have not given it to her yet. I think I will just try and work with her more to reconize more letters, she know some. Then there is the getting her into a good pre school. I need to finish looking at them and decide.

[coasterqueen]

Jeanne - glad she's liking it now. I am SO sick of that song now.

I think Kylie doesn't like the Word one as much because it doesn't have a catchy song to it. That really appeals to her and I wish it had one because I KNOW she'd catch on so much more quickly if it did.