Stages of Reading: Memorization of books

http://www.google.com/

Do your children ever pick up a book that you have read many times and read it like they know the words on the page.  Many say its just memorization...but that's one of the first steps of learning to read.  

Children need to learn that books and stories have a structure and that stories have a sequence of events.  They also have learned that pictures help tell the story and they use that knowledge later when they are reading and they get stuck on a word.  Children will often look at the picture to see if it gives them a clue as to what the unknown word is.  

So, next time your child is reading a book, praise them for doing a great job and you will be encouraging your child to keep picking up books...which are the key to learning!  

Watching you read is just as important, so make sure your children see you read the newspaper, magazines, and restaurant menus.  You are your child's first model, so model reading regularly!

Washington Learning Systems: Literacy Resources: Language is Key

Washington Learning Systems has more literacy resources available to teachers and parents.   Here is the link to Language is Key.  This video talks about language and its connection to learning to read and write. 


 Here is the link to the video: http://www.walearning.com/products/language-is-the-key/

Here is another link to more resources:
Washington Learning Systems: literacy resources

Preschool: A Child Become A Reader (Link and Printable Pdf booklet): Reading Readiness

Below is a link to a very good parent/teacher resource about preparing preschool children with the reading readiness skills needed to learn to read once they are in elementary school.  

The book is designed for children birth to preschool.  Below is a link to the information:

http://lincs.ed.gov/publications/html/parent_guides/birth_to_pre.html

You can also find the actual printable PDF version of the book at:

http://lincs.ed.gov/publications/publications.html 

(Look under 2006 for "A Child Becomes A Reader")

Preschool Language and Literacy: Video Link to How to Interactive Shared Reading

http://www.google.com/

The Best Valentine's Day gift for your child is your time...spending 15-20 minutes a day reading with your child is a gift that will last a life time!  Here is another video to show you how to make story time more interactive with your child or class.  Reading to your child is great, but add in talking to your child during the reading of the story is even greater.  You are your child's first teacher...here are some tools to help you on your journey with your child.


http://dww.ed.gov/media/ECE/PreSchoolLit/IDR/Learn/flashoverview/index.htm

Preschool Language and Literacy: Video Link to How to Teach Phonoglogical Awareness

Here is a link to video that teaches what phonological awareness is and how to teach it to your class or your own children. 


http://dww.ed.gov/media/ECE/PreSchoolLit/PA/Learn/flashoverview/index.htm


I encourage you to watch the video to learn how to help prepare your children for school so they can successfully learn to read once they get there.

Learning Letters and Letter Sounds: Alphabet puzzles

http://www.amazon.com/

Alphabet puzzles are a wonderful toy for children.  Be sure to buy one that has both upper case and lower case letters.  

This type of puzzle is a great one for an adult to do with the child.  

As your child picks up letters to place in the puzzle, talk about the letter and the picture that begins with the later.  Do this each time you do the puzzle together.  

Once your child can tell you almost all the letters, you can start focusing on the sound each letter makes.  Talk about the words that begin with that sound.  Both letters usually have a pictures of an object that begins with the letters sound.  Isolate the sound so your child can hear the letter sound, then say the objects name again.  

For example:  The pictures are of a wagon and watch.  Ask your child what the pictures are of where the W or w would go.  Then say the word wagon...then the "w" sound...ask your child to repeat the sound.  Then say the name of the object again...wagon or watch.  

February is Dental Health Month: Books to Read to Your Child

http://printables.scholastic.com/

February is dental health month!  It's a great time to read books to your child about going to the dentist.  If your child has not been to the dentist, age 3 is a good time to start.  Find a family friendly or pediatric dentist.  They can make your child's dental experience a good one.


Here are some good books to read about dental health:

Show Me Your Smile!: A Visit to the Dentist

The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist