Dos & Dont’s Of Teaching A Child To Read

The moment our little ones have crossed the baby phase, a step towards initial education begins. Alongside comprehension of the language, we also want them to begin understanding it. This is where their baby steps towards reading begin.

However, oftentimes, we are scared of overwhelming them, and this can cause more damage than speeding up their education.

This is why we are bringing an elaborate dos and don’ts list for your child to help them start reading at a sustainable pace.

Do’s For Reading

Here is what you should do when it comes to teaching your child how to read:

• Select the books carefully. There is no point in overcomplicating something. Find the best kid’s books online.
• Do relax and let your child move at their own pace.
• Do sit with your child every day for them to be within practice.
• Do share stories about your first book and introduce them to your favorite children’s literature.
• Do make the lessons interesting by getting a whiteboard, or make alphabet learning a craft session.
• Do encourage your child to be proud of themselves and not indulge in self-criticism.
• Do get your child their own personal library. If you want them to get accustomed to reading or even picking a book in their free time, a sense of ownership is very important.
• Do encourage them to talk about the book right after you are done reading. 

Dont’s For Reading

Now that we have discussed what we should do as parents, but now let’s get into what you should do:

• Don’t make comparisons with other children. Remember, they are all on their own journey. Especially when you tell your kids about such a comparison, it can cause deep-seated confidence issues later in life.
• Don’t criticize excessively, and help them understand their mistakes rather than scolding them.
• Don’t pinpoint every mistake and constantly interrupt.
• Don’t ask them to always read the book on their own.
• Don’t pause your own reading. Leading with example is very important.
• Don’t miss out on the pre-reading Q&A session.
• Don’t skim through too many books. Re-reading helps improve vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to embarking on your child’s journey towards reading their first word, it is no wonder that you are overwhelmed. Of course, you would want to know everything, so if you are looking for more answers, here is a commonly asked query.

1. What Should I Teach Them To Read First?

After they have been through phonemic awareness. This is through helping children understand the sound of words. Teachers often help with phonemic awareness by dividing each sound of the word and showing how the mouth looks when pronouncing it. For example, lips form a round when said “o.” A more advanced way to help learn phonetics is to find rhyming words for simpler phonetics.

2. How To Be A Good Dictation Teacher For A Child?

 In simple terms, you must be looking for good qualities that fit a credible dictation and reading teacher.

A good teacher will create a balance between traditional study materials and any new learning content out there. Most importantly, they should analyze the child first and find their strength and weaknesses to formulate a reading study material accordingly.

3. What Are The Five Beginning Reading Skills I Need To Teach My Child?

In order to make your child a better reader, here are the top skills you need to teach them first:

• Phonemic: How the word sounds.
• Phonics: Dividing the word according to different sounds.
• Fluency: Ability to pronounce the words correctly.
• Vocabulary: Learning different types of words.
• Comprehension: Understanding the meaning of these works.

How To Be Involved In Your Child’s Education From The Beginning

To be involved in your child’s education from the beginning, start by fostering a love for learning through interactive play and reading. Attend parent-teacher meetings and establish open communication with educators. Create a dedicated study space at home and set a consistent routine for homework and study time. Show interest in their schoolwork, ask questions, and offer assistance when needed. 

Encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and participate in extracurricular activities or school events. Stay informed about their progress, celebrate achievements, and address any challenges promptly. By actively engaging in your child’s education, you help them develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.