Dr. Seuss on the Loose

My new year’s resolution is to teach Ellie, my 3-year old, how to read. As of now, she knows her letters, she knows most of her phonics, and she knows how to sight read about 20 words. When I tell my friends of my goal, some think I’m a little overambitious. Nevertheless, I feel that reading is the key to a successful future. Some friends compare me to Rick Moranis’ character in the old 1989 movie “Parenthood”. I don’t mind the comparison except I think the difference is I’m the totality of his character in the beginning of the movie and his character at the end of the movie. In other words, as long as I both have an academic focus and a playful, childlike focus, I’ve got a well-balanced goal for my kids. My ultimate goal is that my children always have a love for learning, no matter the subject.

So how did I get my child to learn the alphabet and beginning reading? Here are some things I’ve tried, although not exhaustive. It may or may not work for you because of the various learning styles and personalities that every child has. But to identify their style, you need to go through a trial and error process. Hopefully, these tips will give you a good starting point.

1—Read, read, read. I’m sure you’re already doing that. You can find a plethora of books at the library or at the bookstore teaching the alphabet. Our favorite is Dr. Seuss’s book “ABC-An Amazing Alphabet Book.” It’s a silly, fun book to read to your child to help her learn her letters and phonics. Other early reading books in our library include:
-Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
-Hop on Pop by Dr. Seuss
-The Honey Hunt by Stan and Jan Berenstain
-Put Me in the Zoo by Robert Lopshire
-Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman
-Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb! By Al Perkins and Eric Gurney
Most of the Dr. Seuss Bright and Early or Beginner Books are great reading practice.

2—Sing the “Alphabet Song” any and every chance you get.

3—Buy simple flashcards or write the alphabet on index cards. At a young age, children can recognize many things even if they can’t say it. Large visuals will help them identify letters.

4—Get the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Set. Although these alphabet magnets are more expensive than other alphabet magnets, they’re worth the buy because there is no little magnet in the back that can’t fall off and cause a choking hazard. Also, the LeapFrog set teaches kids phonics and sings the alphabet song.

5—Buy learning puzzles that build words with pictures. Our favorite is the Learning Journey’s Fun with Spelling Puzzle.

6—Make crafts using cut up magazines or newspapers. And whatever craft you do, write your child’s name on it so they can see the correlation between letters and their name.

7—Finally, whatever you do, make learning letters and reading fun and an everyday experience. Let your children see that letters and words are everywhere and needed to function in the world. Find letters and simple words when you’re on the road or at the store. Read to them letters or emails from friends and family. Let them watch you write grocery lists or letters or anything. Reading and writing go hand in hand, but we’ll leave info on teaching your kids to write for another post.

For more information, check out http://www.succeedtoread.com/