What method is the best method to teach child to read?

Carol - posted on 02/26/2009

We started reading books with our son like Dr. Suess Hop On Pop.  The rhythm and rhyming words appeal to children and pretty soon he could say the entire book.  Then once he knew the words we would point out each word as we read it  and he was reading simple books before he was 4.

Iliana - posted on 02/26/2009

You're right Lynne.  My eight year old daughter was a great reader at first but the school system and how they teach confused her.  Now I have problems getting her to spell words she should already know how to spell.  Learning by sound is great but some kids get confused.  I think the English language has too many ifs, ands, & buts.  The thing to do is judge your child's ability according to them not compared to others or the schools'.  They will either get it or not but they will all eventually learn to read.

Lynne - posted on 02/20/2009

My daughter are 15 and 11. Both my daughters could read and recognise their alphabets by the age of 2, when they each started school, the teaching method had changed. My eldest reads no problem, she even taught herself to read english. My youngest missed the boat, they had changed it phonics when she started, she got lost and still has problems reading and writing.. I prefer the old system of learning by heart, memory....they actually learning the real sense of the word and the proper way it is meant to be writen. today they learn by sound, so when they write they are not sure of the proprer grammar. home made flash cards are the way to go inmy opinion

Betty-ann - posted on 02/20/2009

well my son is in kindergarten and the way his teacher is teaching them to read is they are learning all the letters in the alphabet big and small and they are learning the sounds they make and we are given a reading log each week to read a book to our child every night and so far he is learning some words by trying to sound them out.. so you could always try that.

Traci - posted on 02/20/2009

Oops...Maybe I should learn words..I spelt beginner wrong. haha

Traci - posted on 02/20/2009

In my opinion starting now is great! You can make flash cards with sight words on them. Learning the sounds of words is a must. Also, when you read to her, point out the words while reading along and sound it out.



We are a military family and in the state of GA my daughter was in preschool due to age requirements but when we moved 4 months after school to CA she was put into Kindergarten due to their age requirements. She turned 5 in Sept. It was a tough transition but she is making it.



I also recommnd the Star Fall website. You can also purchase books with reading levels. Beginnier and ect. I have found these books at Target and Walmart. My daughter loves them and they have a lot of need to know words in them.

Kristina - posted on 02/20/2009

Thank you everyone! You've really helped me out and giving me some great suggestions. I will check out www.starfall.com and the other site left.

Sheri - posted on 02/20/2009

www.Starfall.com!!! I can't say I know the 'best method' but this website has been amazing for my son! If she can use a mouse, she can learn to navigate this website by herself and it is so much fun for kids. I'm really surprised and impressed with how much its taught my son and how much it's inspired him to start sounding out words all around him - and he's 4 & 1/2.

Angie - posted on 02/19/2009

I think you've been doing the right thing. There's no need to get ahead, she may be bored next year. There are specific way that teachers like students to learn to read and if you child learns in a different way, she'll be confused. I think what you're doing now is perfect.

Iliana - posted on 02/19/2009

I have an 8 year old and the other is turning 6 this March.  My daughter learned her alphabet at 18 months of age and was an eager learner.  By kindergarten she could spell small three letter words.  My son on the other hand still has trouble with letter recognition and is not as eager despite our reading to him.  I have treated both the same way and yet I was beginning to worry he would fall behind.  I was told by his teacher that it's best not push them.  While we may want the best for them and want them to be ahead of the pack at some they will learn and it should be a good experience.  If you push your child they will rebel.  Let her learn at her own pace.  Continue reading to her and begin with small three letter words.  i.e. cat, mat, hat, etc.  This will also help with the phonics side.  If you play games when she is interested she will learn more.  But only do it when she is ready to pay attention.  I give my boy stickers for making progress that he can redeem for a " surprise" when he fills his sticker chart.  Make it fun and keep it simple.  Phonics is definitely the way to go.  Have her give you the sounds of letters in a game like fashion.  Relax with it and your child will relax.  

Iliana - posted on 02/19/2009

I have an 8 year old and the other is turning 6 this March.  My daughter learned her alphabet at 18 months of age and was an eager learner.  By kindergarten she could spell small three letter words.  My son on the other hand still has trouble with letter recognition and is not as eager despite our reading to him.  I have treated both the same way and yet I was beginning to worry he would fall behind.  I was told by his teacher that it's best not push them.  While we may want the best for them and want them to be ahead of the pack at some they will learn and it should be a good experience.  If you push your child they will rebel.  Let her learn at her own pace.  Continue reading to her and begin with small three letter words.  i.e. cat, mat, hat, etc.  This will also help with the phonics side.  If you play games when she is interested she will learn more.  But only do it when she is ready to pay attention.  I give my boy stickers for making progress that he can redeem for a " surprise" when he fills his sticker chart.  Make it fun and keep it simple.  Phonics is definitely the way to go.  Have her give you the sounds of letters in a game like fashion.  Relax with it and your child will relax.  

Maria - posted on 02/19/2009

Besides working on phonics, it is also helpful to work with your child on recognizing common sight words. Identifying these key words will help her along as she begins to read her own books. You can search "Dolch sight word list" or check out the link below.
http://gemini.es.brevard.k12.fl.us/shepp...

Wendy - posted on 02/19/2009

the first thing my daughter learned in kindergarten last year was what sounds the letters made. If she can recognize the letters of the alphabet and what sounds they make, she will have a head start in learning how to read.