To read accurately, children need to realize that spoken words and print are related. The print could reflect ideas, feelings, or even simple words such as “a”, “the”, “in”.
Key reading strategies that help children succeed are as follows:
– The use of effective texts: Children are attracted to books that include pieces of information joined by a theme or a story. Children who listened to stories very early in their lives understand that a story has characters, a plot, and a conclusion. Parents, older siblings, or caregivers could read to the child.
– The exposure to big books: Educators using largely sized books in a shared reading setting can point out to the words as they are being read. This technique helps the child link words to letters and start recognizing common words.
– Provision of many readings of the same book: Reading a book in multiple techniques helps children get the most out of the experience. Parents and educators can read the book to the children the first time without interruptions then read it later while asking about the meaning and shape of the words.
– Presence of print in the environment: Parents and educators could set an example by using print throughout the day. Making shopping lists, labeling items, pointing out road signs, spelling shops’ names, or reading a brand name on a food box are all examples that the child can imitate willingly. In addition, children can be encouraged to express their interests in writing regardless of the accuracy of the letters.
– Diversification of texts: Parents and educators can introduce nursery rhymes, songs, or poems in writing as well as orally. Children will memorize songs that they like and can later see each word in print.
– Reading books independently: Children should be encouraged to choose a book that they would like to listen to or to read themselves. If the book is at the child’s level of reading ability, they should be given time to try to read it on their own then to check with the parent or educator when they are ready to share. In this manner, they could discuss the words that are difficult. They can also read the book to a group of children if they wish to do so.
Ultimately, the practice of independent reading will help children develop reading proficiency and independent learning. Both skills are very valuable for future success in a global world.
Reference:
Fields, M. V., Growth, L. A., & Spangler, K. L. (2008). Let’s begin reading right: A developmental approach to emergent literacy (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Future Global Children 