Learning to Read — Helping Your Child Get Started

What does brain research tell us about learning?

Having the child on your lap or snuggled up to a parent as you share reading experiences helps the brain produce “happy hormones”. Happy hormones, means the brain is primed for learning. Learning occurs in a happy and safe environment. The other spin off benefit is that the brain remembers the happy feeling when being read to- so as the child gets older, reading brings back pleasant memories and the child enjoys the reading experience.

Learning to read happens gradually and it's important to support your child and foster interest along the way.

Does your child listen closely during story time? Does your child like to look through books and magazines? Does your child like learning the names of letters?

If the answer is "yes" to any of these questions, your child may have already learned some important early reading skills and may be ready to learn some of the basics of reading.

Tips to keep in mind as your read with your child:

Start reading to your child even prenatally. Your baby will enjoy the smooth sound of your voice as you read out aloud and get used to your voice after he/she is born. The baby will hear sounds and later make the brain connection when she encounters those words after he/she is born.
Read to your newborn right from the start. Baby will enjoy the soothing sounds and find comfort in your voice.
Set aside time every day to read together with your infants, toddlers, preschoolers. Many children like to have stories read to them at bedtime. This is a great way to wind down after a busy day and get ready for sleep. Having the child on your lap as you share reading experiences helps the brain produce “happy hormones”. Happy hormones, means the brain is primed for learning. Learning occurs in a happy and safe environment. The other spin off benefit is that the brain remembers the happy feeling when being read to- so as the child gets older, reading brings back pleasant memories and the child enjoys the reading experience.
So do not stop reading to your child even after the child knows how to read. Older children also love being read to. Make it a daily habit to read something together with your children. They find comfort in being read to by parents as they get their undivided attention.
Leave books around for your child to enjoy on her own. Make sure her room/surroundings are reading-friendly with a comfortable bed or cushions or chair, and a place to keep his books (bookshelf) and a lamp.
Read books that your child enjoys. After a while, your child may learn the words to her favorite book. When this happens, let your child complete the sentences or take turns reciting the words.
Do not drill your child on letters, numbers, colors, shapes or words. Instead, make a game out of it and find ways to encourage your child's curiosity and interests.

Reading books aloud is one of the best ways you can help your child learn to read. This can be fun for you, too. The more excitement you show when you read a book, the more your child will enjoy it. The most important thing to remember is to let your child set her own pace and have fun at whatever she is doing.

Do the following when reading to your child:

Run your finger under the words as you read to show your child that the print carries the story.
Use funny voices and animal noises. Do not be afraid to ham it up! This will help your child get excited about the story.
Stop to look at the pictures; ask your child to name things she sees in the pictures. Talk about how the pictures relate to the story.
Invite your child to join in whenever there is a repeated phrase in the text.
Show your child how events in the book are similar to events in your child's life.
If your child asks a question, stop and answer it. The book may help your child express her thoughts and solve her own problems.
Keep reading to your child even after she learns to read. A child can listen and understand more difficult stories than she can read on her own.
If your child asks for help with a word, give it right away so that he does not lose the meaning of the story. Do not force your child to sound out the word. On the other hand, if your child wants to sound out a word, do not stop him.
If your child substitutes one word for another while reading, see if it makes sense. If your child uses the word "cat" instead of "kitten," for example, the meaning is the same. Do not stop the reading to correct him. If your child uses a word that makes no sense (such as "road" for "read"), ask him to read the sentence again because you are not sure you understand what has just been read. Recognize your child's energy limits.
Stop each session at or before the earliest signs of fatigue or frustration.
Most of all make sure you give your child lots of love and attention! You are your child's first and most important teacher. The praise and support you give your child as he learns to read will help him enjoy reading and learning even more.

Parenting Guidance

Developmental Milestones

Following the Child

This commonly used phrase comes from the Montessori practice of observing children in their natural environment (e.g. the prepared classroom)
and using their interests and level of ability as a
guide. The caregiver provides appropriate material
and adapts to meet the needs of each child accordingly.

Using Best Early Childhood Practices

Our programs are adapted for the specific areas
we engage in (e.g. rural environments) and utilize
time tested methods to make impact at the
grassroots level. We have a dedicated core of
experienced developers and trainers, with
backgrounds in a multitude of ECD disciplines.

Creating a More Peaceful and Sustainable World

By focusing on the early years, our programs capitalize on a window of opportunity when the brain is still forming and a person is most conducive to internalizing humanistic principles. By instilling a strong framework of values and ethics in our children, we plant seeds for future prosperity in the world.