With all the
homeschool curriculum choices, the lesson plans, the organization, the
planning of the calendar, you know, putting the whole homeschool program
together, the time involved, my goodness the time involved, the one area
of education that can't be overlooked is teaching reading
fundamentals.
Get them to develop good reading habits. Reading is
the lynch pin of all education.
When a child masters reading and gains an enjoyment
of this powerful skill, they have built a foundation
on which they can learn any subject.
When you have learned to read, you explore any subject your
mind takes you to.
Think about it, reading is the basis for understanding any subject
matter.
Even learning mathematics is based upon the ability to read each chapter
and it's instructions. Reading and comprehension is a must. Even beyond
the classroom, reading instructions on operating or assembling
something, to navigating with a map involves this skill.
If you are having trouble getting your child interested in reading, try
first to find out what interests them. What you think they should be
interested in may not be what they are necessarily interested in. Early
on, take them to the library and just watch what section and types of
books they gravitate to. Remember, I said just watch. No need to
suggest. Just watch.
Encourage, encourage, encourage. Everyone likes to be praised for
successes they have. Your child is no different. Teaching reading
is no different.
Also, oft overlooked when working with children and reading is the lack
of vocabulary development. Be sure to combine vocabulary building with
their reading and match the child's vocabulary level with the books you
want them to explore. Many times children get discouraged from reading
because they get frustrated by not knowing the meaning of words.
Vocabulary building is fun and can be very humorous. Taking words and
putting them into funny and ridiculous sentences helps the child learn.
Teaching reading is a foundation worth building. A foundation that carries the
child through all subjects, and all their life. Take some time to know
how to teach reading. It's a good investment.
