Implementing simple activities with your child can help them with their reading journey
Reading is part of a child’s holistic development. It builds intellect and helps children understand text and letters. Reading is the process of recognising letters, and words, making connections between ideas, inferring meaning and engaging with text on a deeper level.
Mrs. Kopano Dandala, Deputy Principal at Crawford International Pre-Primary Fourways believes that it is never too early to introduce your child to reading as she believes that reading starts with bedtime stories and folktales. Although the child is not physically reading the book, they are grasping words, they are starting to see and hear the expression on your face and voice, and beginning to understand what they see – meaning that they are reading.
However, for parents who would like to set up their children to read independently, Mrs. Dandala discussed a few vital tips to consider.
You can introduce your child to reading by starting off with pictures and asking them what they see or understand in the picture. “Reading is about understanding, it is not only about reading back the word”, says Mrs. Dandala. By stating what they see in a picture, children will show you their level of understanding in terms of their reading.
In most cases, parents would teach their children to recite the alphabet to get them accustomed to letters. However, the best way to familiarise your child with letters is to use phonemic teaching. Phonemic teaching is when you teach your child to sound out a letter. This is more beneficial and helps them spell better. Mrs. Dandala urges parents to incorporate these phonic activities in their daily routine, such as looking at number plates when driving around. You can ask your child what letters they see on different number plates and what sound each letter makes. This develops reading from a structured activity to a fun play-based activity that your child can enjoy whilst learning.
During those reading activities, your child might make mistakes when faced with big words, and you might worry about correcting them in fear of disappointing them. Mrs. Dandala encourages parents to immediately correct their children when making reading errors reading because not doing so does not highlight what needs to be learnt at that moment and may delay their reading and understanding progress. Although your child might struggle to read big words, especially at a young age, don’t overlook the mistake. Rather break down the words to make it easier for your child.
Having close contact to your child is also important when reading and correcting your child. Sitting closer to your child when they read can be beneficial as you can see what they are reading and can immediately intervene when they skip or mispronounce a word. It also makes them feel safe because they are within your reach, and it feels like a bonding session through reading.
Acknowledging your child’s progress and good reading is also vital. No parent wants to make their child feel disheartened or disempowered to read. Give compliments to your child when they do well and be intentional and specific with the compliment. Complimenting your child fosters a positive reading environment and gives your child a morale boost to keep on reading.
To maintain this positive reading environment, refrain from comparing your child to other children or siblings. Your child is unique, and they will learn at their own pace. “I always advise parents to praise the skill implemented while reading – this in turn helps self-correction skills and boosts the child’s confidence to be independent”, says Mrs. Dandala.
Allow your child to finish their sentences instead of assuming what they are likely trying to say. Letting your child finish their sentence, creates independence and eliminates misunderstandings that might occur if you finish the sentence on their behalf.
Reading is supposed to be fun and less stressful. One of the challenges parents face is their children being hesitant to read because it feels time consuming. Mrs. Dandala encourages parents to change it up a bit. For example, use timers to set a limit to reading so your child knows that it is not going to limit play time and family time. Give them a reward at the end to create that anticipation for the next reading session.
With this advice, it shows that reading can start at a very young age. It takes love, patience and dedication from parents to create positivity towards reading and building their independence.
