First Steps to Reading

Studies has shown that if you want your child to be a good reader, early reading is important.  It will benefit them neurologically, educationally, psychologically, and socially.  When kids learn to read early, it expands their vocabulary and general knowledge.  It also helps with sight words, which leads to fluent reading, without needing to point at the words. 

1.  Be a Good Model 

I have said this many times before, if you want your child to be a good reader, modeling helps.  I am not the greatest models when it comes to reading, but I am working on being better.  My husband and I started reading a few books here and there when we can fit in some time.  It is so hard to stay focused with so many distractions, but you can do it!  Children always want to imitate their parents, so demonstrate good habits!  

2. Early Childhood reading

Start reading to your child as soon as they are out of the womb.  Let's start making this a good habit.  This will help you as a parent get prepared.  You want your child to be advanced, you need to be advanced. :) Start with picture books, then work your way up to the level of your child.

3.  Alphabet Book

We printed out each letter from the alphabet, cut out each piece, and laminated them.  Afterwards, we used a hole puncher and put a key ring to keep them bound.  It also helps to add an image to each page.  For instances, for the letter "A" have a picture of an ant.  That's all.  Nothing extra.  You don't want to take away the focus of the letter. We brought our book with us everywhere!  Now, I know you could purchase an alphabet book, but making our own compelled me to use the book frequently.  Make sense?  We roughly started around 8 months. I was more consistent when words starting coming out a little after 1.  You can start earlier, don't make the mistake I did. 

I would make the letter much bigger to make that the focal point. Also, exclude the text, "is for apple". Again, the main focus should be the letter.