What did you use to teach your children to read?

Aileen - posted on 06/20/2010

I started my 4 year old out with the BOB series of readers which I found at my local library. The set I used had listen along cd's and worked very well at building the pre-emergent reading skills she needed. To learn more about the BOB series check out my blog http://aileenwstewart.blogspot.com/2010/...

Angie - posted on 06/20/2010

We went back to the basics: Dick and Jane and Bob Books. Bob Books were particulary helpful. We read EVERYTHING from street signs to cereal boxes.

Lisa - posted on 06/20/2010

my daughter's teacher said learning site words work the best. I wasn't sure at the time if I believed her. But by the time my daughter was in first grade, she could read Little House on the Praire!!

Carol - posted on 06/19/2010

Try GETTING READER RABBIT computer games. Also if you can read to her, that will help. Purchase some Sight word cards. May times you can go on Preschool wbsites and get Ideas. Try www.everythingpreschool.com
www.dltk-teachkids.com. Just to name a few. they have different things you can use to help her read. You can also use the STEPS 1,2,3 readers they also have preschool levels as well. You can purchase those at pretty much any store and those will help as well.

Kelly - posted on 06/19/2010

Another good thing to do is pick out some books she likes, then pick out about 5 words that repeat throughout the book. Show them to her and say them out loud and let her repeat them. Then read the book to her as you point to every word. When you come to one of the chosen words, stop reading and let her read that word.

It is less overwhelming than trying to read whole sentences, but more stimulating than just memorizing a word or 2 to say when you stop.

Kelly - posted on 06/19/2010

I used the book "Teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons"

It is a modified version if the DISTAR program which is based on phonics rather than memorization. I HIGHLY recommend it--the book is ALL you need, and it only costs about $15 at Barnes&Noble, Books-a-Million, or Amazon.com

The lessons are VERY short to begin with (less than 10 minutes per day) so she won't get frustrated & give up so easily. Once she gains some speed, the lessons get to be around 20 minutes, but that's really the longest.

It is very simple--no catchy rhymes or colorful pictures, but it works incredibly well.

Heather - posted on 06/19/2010

i cant suggest how to teach her, but - forcing her to read my backfire on you... she may grow up to hate reading. my son is 6 and reads at a 3rd graders level according to the Lexile test - and all we did with him, was sat down, cuddled up on the couch, and read to him, but eventually we got to the point where we would point to words in a really familiar story and get him used to seeing the words. in kindergarten they start by using site words,... I, am, we, the, be, for, and, but .... then after they master those, they start learning how to combine site words with other sounds to form longer words.. its frustrating, but, one teacher told us that for most kids it doesnt "click" til they are half way through kindergarten... just keep reading to her, and make reading fun so she wants to learn =)

Michelle - posted on 06/19/2010

make up flash cards, when she gets 5 right in a row she gets a small treat such as a M&M, she will also learn more when she gets into school.