Words impact lifelong learning
By, Lori A. McNeil, M.B.A, M.Ed, CEME
First Published, Feb 2016, East Oregon Parent Magazine
Parents have so many things that justifiably concern them regarding their child’s growth and development. How do you know for sure you are making the right decisions about what and how your child will learn? How can you best help your child to be prepared for school? There are so many questions parents have when contemplating each step of how to navigate the world of raising a child. Let’s address a few of them with a focus on reading skills and techniques.
Before a child ever steps foot into a preschool or kindergarten classroom, there are many things that parents can do at home to prepare their children for reading. A good starting point is for you as a parent to take a proactive and dedicated approach with realistic goals that will encourage their success. A child with good reading habits will start school with a solid foundation for learning.
Reading with your child at least fifteen minutes a day is a wonderful place to start. The time invested will have a lasting impact and further develop your child’s cognitive development, their critical thinking skills and their problem solving skills. These skills are imperative for them to be successful in the classroom and throughout life. Initially, engage your child in a conversation about the parts of the book. For example, ask them about the cover and ask them what they see. Take time to let your child think about the title of the book. Ask them if they know what an author is. When you turn to the first page of the story, ask your child if they see any letters or words that they know. As you turn each page, use the illustrations as guides to engage children in conversation about what the story is telling them. Teach them to notice details. You can practice additional skills such as math and colors, as well. Count items that may be part of the illustrations or point out the number of the page you are on. Use all aspects of the book as a way to make the most of the fifteen minutes you spend together. Be actively involved in reading with your child. If you exceed the fifteen minutes that you allowed for reading time with them, well, isn’t that a nice way to spend your time!
It is important that children hear the sounds of words correctly. It is important that you speak a little more slowly and clearly so that your child can hear each sound in each word. In our fast paced culture, most of us speak much faster than we realize. Start your reading time together by slowing yourself down first.
Embrace the power of imagination. Teaching children to use their imagination inspires creativity that is needed for building strong reading and problem solving skills. Don’t worry about your child not knowing the difference between what is real and what is make believe. They will sort that out on their own soon enough. Children need to be encouraged to have the freedom to be creative. Time spent expanding their creativity is valuable and helps them to learn problem solving skills, too.
Use a new word every day in conversation with your child to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Expect the same of your child. Ask them to use a new word in their conversation with you. If they can’t think of a new word, ask them to use one of the new words you have shared with them. Engage your child in conversations that will teach you something new about them every day. In doing so, there is an added bonus. You will have many great conversations of discovery and deeper understanding of each other and the world around you. Time spent with your child, is time well spent.
*2016 Lori McNeil- All rights for this article are reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.
Before a child ever steps foot into a preschool or kindergarten classroom, there are many things that parents can do at home to prepare their children for reading. A good starting point is for you as a parent to take a proactive and dedicated approach with realistic goals that will encourage their success. A child with good reading habits will start school with a solid foundation for learning.
Reading with your child at least fifteen minutes a day is a wonderful place to start. The time invested will have a lasting impact and further develop your child’s cognitive development, their critical thinking skills and their problem solving skills. These skills are imperative for them to be successful in the classroom and throughout life. Initially, engage your child in a conversation about the parts of the book. For example, ask them about the cover and ask them what they see. Take time to let your child think about the title of the book. Ask them if they know what an author is. When you turn to the first page of the story, ask your child if they see any letters or words that they know. As you turn each page, use the illustrations as guides to engage children in conversation about what the story is telling them. Teach them to notice details. You can practice additional skills such as math and colors, as well. Count items that may be part of the illustrations or point out the number of the page you are on. Use all aspects of the book as a way to make the most of the fifteen minutes you spend together. Be actively involved in reading with your child. If you exceed the fifteen minutes that you allowed for reading time with them, well, isn’t that a nice way to spend your time!
It is important that children hear the sounds of words correctly. It is important that you speak a little more slowly and clearly so that your child can hear each sound in each word. In our fast paced culture, most of us speak much faster than we realize. Start your reading time together by slowing yourself down first.
Embrace the power of imagination. Teaching children to use their imagination inspires creativity that is needed for building strong reading and problem solving skills. Don’t worry about your child not knowing the difference between what is real and what is make believe. They will sort that out on their own soon enough. Children need to be encouraged to have the freedom to be creative. Time spent expanding their creativity is valuable and helps them to learn problem solving skills, too.
Use a new word every day in conversation with your child to expand their vocabulary and comprehension skills. Expect the same of your child. Ask them to use a new word in their conversation with you. If they can’t think of a new word, ask them to use one of the new words you have shared with them. Engage your child in conversations that will teach you something new about them every day. In doing so, there is an added bonus. You will have many great conversations of discovery and deeper understanding of each other and the world around you. Time spent with your child, is time well spent.
*2016 Lori McNeil- All rights for this article are reserved, including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form.