Reading and Writing: Make it easier

‘ I don’t want to read , I hate writing’. A common lament in many households come reading and writing time. Teaching your young child can either be a frustrating experience or exhilarating as young minds explore the world of literacy. Providing the right environment can help this journey become less cumbersome and filled with adventures and imaginations. By 5 years of age, your child begins his or her foray into the academic world. Using a few well placed tips can make all the difference.

• Be a role model: Surround your child with books and read along with them. Have family reading times together. Be consistent in those reading times.

• Use books that are age appropriate and colorful to maintain interest. Books that are less crowed with bold letters are the best for starting readers. And reading together with them helps improve their confidence.

• Make use of finger tip reading. Sit together at a comfortable level and use finger tips or scales to focus on words.

• Sound out words that are unfamiliar. Go back to phonic sounds if needed. Make practice consistent.

• Before reading give a background context of the book, if you can. Read up a little to further engage your child in questions. Show them you are interested in what they read.

• Let your child lead. Don’t force topics of your interest on your child. Let them focus on their interests.

Better reading eventually leads to better writing skills. So help your child write up.

• Keep journal for everyday writing. It helps improve spellings and build imagination.

• Start writing letters and small notes to your child, and encourage responses back.

• During school work writing, set consistent writing hours and comfortable times.

• Use implements that are fun and creative to set a happy environment.

• If possible, use textured and raised paper for better visibility. Draw margins to highlight the edges.

• In case of alphabet reversals, associate with pictures or sounds to help remember the B’s and D’s.

Every small step forward is an achievement. Every little help you provide your child empowers them to become better readers and writers.

As the saying goes “ Reading is breathing in and writing is breathing out”. It makes life much more colorful and imaginative.