What did you discover about your child in the beginning stages?
- Child was fascinated with letter sounds (from Baby Einstein DVD's, SuperWhy Reader TV, Kneebouncer.com online resources)
- Child would recognise and say each letter, out loud, and in sequence eg from a cereal box, milk carton etc., (during meal times)
- After saying the letters out loud, the child would then attempt to say a word (any word)
- Child followed the letters/word with their finger
- Child would pick out a letter to type on the keyboard
- An older child responded to being asked to find items with the letter eg "P" for a pre-school project
What other resources do you use that develop reading skills?
- Flashcards
- Board games
- Programmes like "Super Why Reader"
- LeapFrog learning materials
- Dr Seuss books (for their very interesting use of rhyme)
- Dollar store books (write on/wipe off)
- "High Five" Magazine (USA) to develop an interest in stories
- Etch-a-Sketch/hand held whiteboard to match letter sounds with pictures "Mm" mop, men, mud, mouse
What online resources do you use? (**material used by preschool teachers in Australia)
http://www.starfall.com (free online reading resources)
http://readingeggs.com (free trial, then by subscription)**
http://www.jollyworks.org (resources that teach letters/sounds)**
http://www.kneebouncers.com (for tiny tots)
http://www.pbs.org/parents/superwhy/resources/index.html (lesson plans for teaching)
http://www.sesamestreet.org (a great place to create interest in learning)
Keys to Learning to Read
- Read, Read, Read BOOKS to your Preschoolers, as often as you can, everyday!
- Go with your child's interests!
Goals
- Ensure your children are taught the 42 sounds and are able to match letters and sounds by the age 6, to ensure they will be able to spell and read well.
(to be continued - Playgroup will continue to review and add to this material in due course)
