By Maggie Dail, M.A., Learning Specialist
Teaching Reading Basics – How to Teach Your Baby to Read
1. At what age to begin---the earlier the better if you do it the right way.
2. Things to bring to the process -- positive attitude and approach; appropriate size and well-organized material.
3. The best time to teach--when both mother and child are "happy and in good form." P. 106107
4. The best duration --very short; at first a few seconds long three times a day. P. 107
5. "Always stop before you child wants to stop." P. 107
6. The manner of teaching -- very quickly
7. Child's enthusiasm is based on the following: "The speed at which materials are shown. The amount of new material. The joyous manner of mother." P. 108-109
8. Introducing New Material - John Ciardi in Saturday Review(5/11/63) said, "that a child should be fed new knowledge 'at the rate determined by her own happy hunger.'" P. 109
9. Consistency - organize your material so that once you start you can be consistent.-- best when done daily. P. 111-112
10. Material Preparation- (materials based on the child's visual apparatus) use stiff poster board in 4'' by 24'' and a wide red felt tip marker; each word must be 3" tall in all lower case unless it is a proper noun; print in bold (at least 1/2 " wide strokes); on back write the word so that you can read it. Print begins large and gradually reduces to normal print size as the child's visual pathway develops. P. 112-115
11. "Teach your Baby to Read Kit" may be purchased from: The Better Baby Press, 8801 Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19118
Books Available: How to _________________ – Neuroconnexions Store
12. "Summary of The Basics of Good Teaching
a. Begin as young as possible
b. Be joyous at all times
c. Respect your child
d. Teach only when you and your child are happy
e. Stop before your child wants to stop
f. Show materials quickly
g. Introduce new materials often
h. Do you program consistently
i. Prepare you materials carefully and stay ahead
j. Remember the Fail-Safe Law" p. 117
13. Examples of books that follow requirements
a. Enough, Inigo, Enough
b. Inigo McKenzie, The Contrary Man
c. You Can't Stay a Baby Forever
d. Nose is Not Toes p. 152
14. Remember the following rules in choosing books:
a. "Create or choose books that will be interesting to your child.
b. Introduce all new vocabulary as single words before beginning the book.
c. Make the text large and clear.
d. Make sure your child has to turn the page to see the illustration that follows the text." P. 153
15. Then sit down with your child and read the book to him. If he spontaneously wants to read parts that is fine. Read naturally and with enthusiasm. P. 153-154
16. "Read the book two to three times daily for several days. Each book will have its own life. Some books are ready for the shelf in a few days, others are demanded daily for weeks." P 154
17. At this point the books are placed on his shelf. He can read them himself as often as he likes. P. 154
While many of our clients are older children with struggles, many of our techniques come from the basic principles taught in How to Teach Your Child to Read. To purchase these How to books by the Domans: