When does a child become a "first time reader"? Most experts in the field of reading and child development might say that the time is when a parent starts reading aloud to their child. The website www.kidsandliterature.com states that when and how to start teaching your child to read depends on the parent's willingness to read consistently to the child. Start reading to children at a very young age. For Babies and Toddlers, look for brightly colored pictures and simple objects. Point to the words and let your child turn the pages. Once they have heard the story a few times, go back and recite some of the words again and have your child do the same. As the child grows and the parent has been reading to the child for a time, ask them to read the book aloud to you...in other words their "reading" will be their version of the story. Books where one or more phrases or sentences are repeated in the text in an easily recognized pattern help new readers notice the printed word. An example of books that have repeated words or phrases are Arnold Lobel's books found in the "easy reader" section of your library. What books are good choices for this young child? Oink and Oink Oink by Arthur Greisert are hilarious stories in which the title is the text. Read with a dramatic voice. Your child will have an enjoyable time and perhaps be able to recognize one word! Check out Eric Carle's Have You Seen My Cat? Another great choice is Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin Jr. Nursery rhymes, chants and songs play an important part in The website www.kidsandliterature.com mentions the value of the learning channel on television. Children can learn about reading and words while watching Barney or Dora. All of this takes time, patience and consistency of the parents. Make regular trips to the library a habit to establish...and for a special treat, get a library card for the child when you feel the time is right.
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