Pre-reading materials?

[nitaghei]

This is sort of scary - but it looks like DS is beginning to read. At least, that what it looks like. He can read certain letters, words and numbers.

For some reason I think it's sort of early- am I right? DS just turned two. If anyone has any recommendations for a website, or specific materials for starting reading, I would appreciate links!

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[LucyG]

That's great, Nita (and quite unusual, I would think)! I'm a reading specialist, and my opinion would be to continue as you have been with Neel. Any kind of authentic reading and literacy experiences you can give him will be helpful. By this, I mean: reading aloud to him, letting him play with magnetic ABC's, using his finger to trace letters in various textures (sand, shaving cream, etc.), working on his concepts of print (understanding that we read from left to right on the page, knowledge of how a book is laid out, etc.), and anything else you can do to help him enjoy words. I'm sure you are already doing most or all of those things, anyway.

I would really follow his lead on this one. It sounds as though he is beginning to take some steps into literacy, and the best thing you can do for him is to make it a fun, pleasant experience. I'm not aware of any specific websites for info. on early readers. Sorry about that. I tend to be wary of programs and experts who tout things like "Teach Your Baby To Read!" (Not that you are looking for anything like that, but I just had to squeeze my personal soapbox in!) Let Neel be your guide, and continue to surround him with words as you have been doing. That is the BEST way to help him become a reader, and at a pace that is comfortable for him.

ETA - As far as good books to read with him, ones I use with pre-readers and beginning readers are books that have lots of rhyme and patterning. Dr. Suess, of course, and many others (Eric Carle books are great, as you probably already know). Textual support in such books is helpful for a reader. Also, when I read to or with any child, I have them make predictions about the story, and then check those predictions and refine them as we read. You would, of course, do this on a very basic level with a two-year old, but you would still be laying the groundwork for comprehension strategies and metacognition.


http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif[/img][/url]
2 years and counting!

[nitaghei]

Thanks!!

Honestly, I haven't been torturing Neel with flash cards with letters or anything!! I swear :) :) We do read a lot - it's as taken-for-granted as breathing in our house. Even if the TV's on all the time. sigh. I really want to make sure that I don't miss development cues, and that Neel doesn't get bored (like I was until I skipped grades) - but I don't want to force anything on him that he isn't ready for either, IKWIM?

I need to get some magnetic letters. We do have a bunch of Dr. Suess and Eric Carle books. And I found some very basic beginning reading books at Borders featuring Oswald. Even if it's a TV show, at least the only merchandising seems to be books. If there are any books that are particular favorites, please LMK!! I grew up in India, and the books here are very different from the ones I knew as a child.

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[LucyG]

Oh, no! I didn't mean to imply that I thought you were drilling him with flash cards! I can tell that you aren't that kind of mom. :-) I'll think back over some books, and if I come up with any good ones for you, I'll add them to this thread.

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_sapphire_24m.gif[/img][/url]
2 years and counting!

[jamsmu]

DS loves Leapfrog Fridge Phonics. We've noticed that he's picked up a few words, too. Like you, we read with him all the time. Just simple words like "hi" and "hello," we're obviously excited for him. We don't push it either, at all, but if he wants to learn to read with us, that's great!

[pritchettzoo]

Wow, Nita! But of course you would have a very smart child. :)

We've started playing with letters. I'm copying a friend and grabbed some foam letters from Target (they had them in the dollar section, but there is a set in the baby area with the bath toys for $4 or $5). I have no background in early reading, but it's a basic educational tenet that involving multiple senses aids learning. Lucy mentioned tracing in sand.

Here's a great site someone posted on children's reading suggestions: http://www.planetesme.com/

I found and older edition of this book on clearance and grabbed it: The New York Times Parent's Guide to the Best Books for Children : 3rd Edition Revised and Updated by Eden Ross Lipson. It will give you lots of great book titles. Your library might have it.

These are some of our favorite "real page" books (of course we're just reading to her at this point):
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie series (Moose/Muffin, Pig/Pancake)
Bear Snores On & Bear Wants More
Olivia series
No, David!
Poky Little Puppy
Harry the Dirty Dog
Go Dog Go
Green Eggs and Ham
Hop on Pop

I could go on and on... DH is yelling to get off the computer and help clean (my parents are coming tomorrow ;)). Go to the library or bookstore (but that can be VERY dangerous!) and flip through books. If they look good, take one. Chances are if he's already gotten the reading bug, you'll be going through them all at one point or another.

Anna
Mama to Gracie (Sept '03)
and a BOY! (coming July '05)

[papal]

Nita, I have no useful information but just wanted to say WOW! How amazing that Neel is starting to read so early!!

[Mikesa3]

Yes ,it's early but wonderful.:-) Both of my youngest ds' like the Leapfrog Letter Factory movie.(Target $9.97) My almost 5 year old asked for the matching board game for Christmas and loves that too.He's learned all his letters and sounds and his almost two year old brother says some of the sounds too.(he just has started talking so we're excited that he's doing sounds)They make one called Word Factory.We're getting that for our 5 year olds Birthday next week but I'm sure my younger ds will like it too.
Nancy-Mom to 6 great kids

[lmintzer]

Jack enjoys playing with magnetic letters. Though he certainly couldn't read at 2, he learned his letters and some of their sounds just for fun. Now, he's doing some pre-reading with the game Boggle Junior. He has fun matching the cubes up to the little flip cards, each with a 3-4 letter word and associated picture.

He also likes playing the "word game" with a Magna Doodle. He has us write out a 3-4 letter word and practices sounding it out. He needs help to do this but is very proud when he "reads" the word in the end.

[teddy]

My DD has the art easel from IKEA and the white board side is actually a magnetic surface. (We've had this easel for almost a year and only discovered the magnetic surface a month ago. DD was sticking her Magnadoodle shapes on it. Go figure...) Anyway, Melissa and Doug make nice wood magnetic alphabet letters in upper and lower case. It's helping DD recognize capital A, small a, etc... We like to match the capitals and smalls together. We also talk about words that begin with a letter she chooses. Also, she "spells" words out with the letters. They're not real words but she labels them as such, like Mommy, etc... I'll also spell out some words for her but it's hard when the alphabet set only includes one upper and lower case for each letter.

Even though she's not as advanced as Neel, she is recognizing her capitals and lower case letters and is learning that letters together make words. It's great fun playing with the letters.

[redhookmom]

Books, books and more books or course. :-) The Read Aloud Handbook is an inspirational read.
This site has some interesting articles. http://www.preksmarties.com/reading/index.htm

ETA
Jim Trelease wrote The Read Aloud Handbook. Here is a link to his site:
http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/

[holliam]

:) I would actually just recommend that you just keep reading and talking to him! I think research has shown that to be the best predictor of literacy!

This may sound weird, but I'd be more inclined to recommend acouple of books for you to read. These are excellent books that really help you understand what might work best for him and you!

Einstein Never Used Flash Cards : How Our Children Really Learn-- And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
by Kathy Hirsh-Pasek - this is written by a very respected child psychologist, and it was an excellent book

Your Child's Growing Mind : Brain Development and Learning From Birth to Adolescence by JANE HEALY - written by a respected educational psychologist and she does an excellent job of explaining brain development at all stages and how it relates to literacy and future learning potential, etc.

My background was in neurolinguistics, specializing in reading and language development. I'm ABD for a PhD in this field so this is an area that is very near and dear to my heart. I think it is so important that parents today realize that kids don't need gadgets, Baby Einstein, Leap Pad, etc. to develop literacy and learning skills. They just need you, and it sounds like you're doing a fabulous job!

Holli

[holliam]

Great suggestions! :)

Holli

[nitaghei]

Thank you everyone for the great suggestions!!

And especially
Holli,

THANK YOU!! I really do appreciate the references! I have a small library about how dogs learn, and nothing about kids! :) So I feel really lost without a frame of reference. The books you recommend sound perfect!

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[ginamlee]

I used a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons with my son. I'm not pushy, either. But, he wanted to read and asked to read, so we did it when he felt like it. The book works very naturally and easily. He is now in the first grade and reads at about a 6th grade level. I don't think he's extraordinarary or anything. He just had the desire like your son seems to have.

[jk3]

I've watched this thread with interest. I think it's great to provide a literacy rich enviroment including oral storytelling, books and lots of conversation.

However, I would caution parents against formally instructing a toddler. There is time and toddlers need to be immersed in activity and play. There is little time for exploration once they reach grade school, sadly Kindergarten included. As a second/third grade teacher, I have taught children who are literally burnt out by age 7 or 8, and this is so sad. Additionally, when children are pushed at an early age to read books out of their realm of experience (ie. a first grader reading material that is appropriate for older children or adolescents) they miss out on true reading IMO. Just because a child can decode on a high level does not imply that he/she is reading with comprehension and understanding. I'm not trying to be controversial but I truly believe there is a time for everything and kids need to be kids, especially when they are so young.

Jenn
DS 6/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030603/2/5/1/-5/.png

[holliam]

I totally agree, and that's the clear message from both the books I recommended earlier in the thread. :)

Holli

[egoldber]

But isn't there a difference between pushing a child to read (or to do whatever frankly) and responding to them as an individual if they ask to learn to read?

My DD loves the alphabet and letters, and we play alphabet games and make up "reading" games all the time. She has never asked me to learn to read, but if she does ask me (and in a year or so I can see that happening) what is the harm in teaching her?

I am truly curious. I have to admit that one of my personal issues with Waldorf education is that I have read that early readers are often discouraged in schools (I understand that this will vary by school and probably by teacher). I was an early and avid reader myself (not beacuse I was pushed in ANY way, my parents were SOOOO no competitive) and it was such a joy in my young life it concerns me that children might be made to feel bad about such an accomplishment IF it is something that they are eager to do for themselves.

[mommyj_2]

I just want to agree with Beth. I think there is a difference between forcing kids to learn and responding to their individual desire to learn. My mom was a very Waldorf mom (without ever having read any Waldorf books or info), and I was recognizing words by 2, and then reading books by 4. She never pushed us to read, but she read to us a ton, and helped us recognize some simple words (like "the, and, and a"), so we could read along with her. My sisters and I never felt forced, and we all love to read to this day.
I think it's wise to remember not to push our kids, but I think there's a difference between preventing them from playing and exploring the world and opening up the realm of reading and writing to children (thereby giving them one more means through which to explore the world).
That's just my 2 cents.

[nitaghei]

I'm sorry, but I really don't understand this. I have NO intention of pushing DS to do anything he's not ready for - but what's wrong with responding to his development cues?

Believe me, I *am* very aware of my competitive streak (hard to make it through grad and law school without). And, as someone who did have burn out issues (Ph.D. at 26 - and felt like a failure, because I wanted that Ph.D. before I turned 25, not to mention the hyper-competitive academic experience that is high school and college in India - Rashmi will vouch for this :)), I am very much alive to that danger as well.

But I don't see anything in my posts that would indicate that I'm doing anything, or am interested in doing anything, that would not DS "be a kid[]." If DS drags the alphabet book (which was a gift, not something I bought for him), to me, and insists on going over it, again and again, I don't see the benefit of denying him the experience. If he's ready to read, he's ready. And if he's not, we wait until he is.

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[holliam]

There are always individual differences and you need to gauge your own child's interests, of course.

I cannot stress enough how much those two books are useful, though. They address issues with the "normal" child, "special needs", and "gifted" children and offer a lot of insight, understanding, and suggestions for parents. Really, you can't go wrong reading those two books!

Holli

[lukkykatt]

Nita, my older son is an early reader - he is fully reading and he just turned 5 in December. He was tested a few months ago as reading at a 5th grade level (our babysitter who is a teacher tested him, btw - I am not trotting him around having him evaluated).

He had started asking me about reading when he was late 3/early 4. Honestly, I never did anything with him beyond reading lots of books to him. He was actually reading for a while before I caught on that he could read - he was somehow uncomfortable or embarrassed that he could read, or he just wanted to keep it a secret to himself - I am not sure which.

Anyway, I just wanted to encourage you that you are doing the right thing and that some kids are ready to read at different times. I think that by just following his lead, reading lots of books with him and taking trips to the library so he can pick books he is interested in, you will be doing exactly what he needs. He can develop at his own pace.

And DS still likes to have me read to him, and he likes all kinds of books from Maisy to lift the flap books, to books about Ancient Egypt that he reads by himself. We do whatever he wants to do. So, I think you are absolutely right and that your son can read if that is what he is interested in doing AND still be a kid.

Feel free to email me if there is ever anything that you want to talk about.

[holliam]

Nita, for whatever it's worth, nothing in your post suggested any of these things to me! I think the other poster was just trying to make some general suggestions.

I really think you'll enjoy the books I recommended.

Holli

[nitaghei]

Thanks Holli! Guess I was being just tad over-sensitive. :)

I have both the books you recommended on hold at my local library. Hopefully I'll have them soon. I am so proud of myself that I actually thought of the library instead of Amazon :)

Nita (who has every single book-shelf in the house double stacked, and no room for more shelves)

mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[suribear]

I would recommend rebus books. These have pictures IN the text. It's fun for little ones to point out the words and get into the habit of "reading" from left to right, turning pages, etc... Sometimes the word will be written under the picture clue. My son (who is two months younger than Neel) loves to "read" along this way. My now five year old dd started out on these books, too.

Some examples:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0590513273/qid=1109795272/sr=2-2/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_2/104-4551478-9655105

Shirley Neitzel has written a series of these books.:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0688158331/qid=1109795487/sr=1-4/ref=sr_1_4/104-4551478-9655105?v=glance&s=books


I think as long as you go by Neel's interests and make it fun, you can't go wrong. We also have lots of storytimes in our house :) My goal is to instill a love of books, in general, and to show my kids how much fun it can be!

Kris

[lisams]

I think you have the right idea Beth, you're keeping it fun, the way it should be. It's when I see a program that promises your 4 year old will be reading at 3rd grade level in two months. That to me is not developmentally appropriate no matter how advanced a child is. The focus should be on the process not the end result. Sure we all want our children to read, but I have seen far too many first graders who come into school with low self esteem because they couldn't reach that set goal. It's very hard to teach them when they feel so down on themselves already.

As parents I think it's important to follow a child's cues. Some children enjoy flashcards, some get frustrated and send signals loud and clear that it isn't fun for them. It's when those signals are ignored that children begin to dislike learning and associate negative feelings with it.

I don't see any harm in teaching a child to read when they are ready as long as it keeps it fun and engaging. I love it when a child is so proud of learning to read, it's like a whole new world has opened up for them.....this thread is making me miss the classroom :-)

Lisa

[holliam]

LOL! We get books out of the library first to read now too. If they pass our test, we buy them for our permanent collection. We have multiple bookcases in almost every room in this house and still have a ton in storage. So, we had to stop running to the bookstore every time!

There is a quote in the Healy book that will strike you probably as it did us... "80% of the books are read by 10% of the population". That just disturbed me so much. My DH and I both were raised in homes where reading was just natural and assumed. We both to this day always have 2-5 books in progress at a time. I used to think everyone was like this, but I'm slowly realizing it's not the case! He pointed out how in all the home re-decorating shows on TV, no one ever has books to deal with and if they do, it's a big deal. There was one the other day where the family was supposedly adding a "library". Ya right! They ended up with like 2 bookcases in there. LOL My DH was like.. uh, I think we have more books in our "to donate or sell" pile than that!

Anyway, I really think you'll enjoy them. PM me if you wanna chat about them. I'm dying to chat about this stuff with people. LOL

Holli

[redhookmom]

I always thought I would take my sons cues and not push at all. Then he got to kindergarten and the teacher told me he was "behind" b/c he could not name all of the small letters and count past 20. :o

I have read hundreds and hundreds of books to him but never pushed with anything he wasn't interested in.

In retrospect I wish I had included some more academic type stuff in our days prior to kindergarten. Even though I think that learning your letters and numbers is what kindergarten is for evidently our local school district thinks differently.

With my daughter there will be no problem she shows a natural intrest in letters and words...

[jk3]

Nita,

I'm sorry if you felt like I was attacking you in any way. I wasn't responding to your original post. If you child is showing an interest, of course it's fabulous to give him/her the tools to continue on the path of literacy development. You seem to be a thoughtful, caring parent + I know you want what's best for Neel and to encourage him to pursue his interests.

I was merely voicing that some of this should be approached with caution. I've seen parents perusing books with titles like "Teach Your Toddler to Read" and the like. That scares me on many levels! Also, lots of parents feel that decoding is reading and that an understanding of phonetic principles = reading.

Jenn
DS 6/03

http://lilypie.com/baby2/030603/2/5/1/-5/.png

[brittone2]

That's awful Jessica. I think the pressures on young children academically in kindergarten are unbelievable these days. Our current plan is to homeschool for that reason...I just don't believe in the pressure to perform at such an early age. I think it robs kids of the joy of learning. The expectations, particularly with standardized testing, etc. are saddening.

Phooey on that teacher for telling you your DS was "behind." Please. I don't think he's going to move onto adulthood not knowing his ABCs sufficiently ;) Sheesh.

[miki]

I just wanted to add that I even get DD's books from the library first so I can see which ones she likes having read to her before loading up my Amazon cart. Taking a toddler to the library to pick out books is no picnic but what I've started doing is putting a bunch of books on hold for DD so they are ready to be picked up at the check out desk and I'll follow her around and let her pick out a few herself. I'm always amazed at what she finds interesting and captivating about a book.

[nitaghei]

No problem! Like I said, I'm probably over-sensitive about the issue, and definitely took it too personally, when you didn't intend it that way. I'm trying really hard for moderation - to be a "good enough mother" and get out of the "must get everything perfect, otherwise I'm a total failure" mindset. :) The fact that Neel's demonstrating this readiness has thown me - I just didn't expect to deal with reading quite this soon.

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[nitaghei]

Thanks Andrea! I will definitely take you up on that!

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[nitaghei]

Anna,

Thanks for the suggestions! We have some of these, but several are new to us.

I try very hard to stay out of bookstores. My crack of choice; need to stay away from the dealers. :)

Nita
mom to Neel, January 2003
dog mom to a PWD and a cocker(at the Rainbow Bridge)

[ginamlee]

I suppose this is in reference to my post.

My son does not just decode. He can read. He can summarize a book or write a paper on the topic. And, he is far from burnt out. He hates summer because there is no school. And, he's not too fond of the weekends, either. I have never pushed my kids. They do what they want to do. But, I don't believe in holding a toddler back should they express a desire.

Is it pushing that my freshman is in AP college courses? No. I advised her against it. But, they interest her. Am I supposed to hold her back too?

If so, you might want to write a note to the headmaster of their school: www.columbusacademy.com . No, we are not that rich. My kids go on scholarship. No, I did not force them to apply. My oldest researched the school herself and asked permission to pursue it.

I guess I am feeling defensive. Because, I am the most non-competitive parent you ever want to meet. But, I also believe in supporting my children, even if that means that they want to do certain academic things that aren't "age appropriate".

[emschwar]

I found this topic, and we're in a similar boat. Noah just turned 2. He knows all his letters and his numbers. He's really bright, and I wouldn't be surprised if he was reading before he was 3. I don't want to push him for things he's not ready for, but he seems (to me) to be ready for phonics and beginning reading skills.

We have the fridge phonics. Any other good toys or books to work towards pre-reading/reading?

[torontomom]

deleted...

[Elena]

Nita, this is such an interesting topic you started!

Did your son just turn 2 or 3? Sorry for asking, but I couldn't figure out his age from your signature :)

[murpheyblue]

The topic is a year old, that's why the age isn't reconciling.