Reading is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in a child's overall development. It enhances language skills, expands vocabulary, and improves comprehension, which are all essential for academic success and personal growth.
In this article, we'll explore effective strategies and resources to teach children to read. This aligns with the Australian schooling system, home schooling and unschooling families as well as young pre starters who are ready to just get started. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with practical tips and resources to start or develop a love for reading in your child.
Reading skills in Australia are developed through a combination of phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Phonics involves understanding the relationship between letters and sounds, vocabulary focuses on word recognition and meaning, and comprehension is about understanding the text. Children develop these skills at different ages. The Australian curriculum does outline specific milestones for each stage, however we do know that no matter what age a child starts the learning process of reading they do all generally align by the age of 9 years old.
Key Points:
• Phonics: The foundation of reading, teaching children to connect letters with sounds.
• Vocabulary: Building a broad range of words to understand and use in context.
• Comprehension: Developing the ability to understand and interpret what is read.
• Grammar and Mechanics: Grammar and mechanics refer to the rules and conventions that govern how
we understand (and later write) structure sentences – this comes later, but we need the basics to develop this in time.
A comfortable and inviting reading space can significantly enhance a child's interest in reading. Cushions, blankets, beanbags and chairs and table are a great addition. Alternatively, curing up together in your child’s bed is also a safe, fun and secure place to read together. Ensure you have a variety of reading material that books that cater to your child's interests and reading level. This may include books - fiction and nonfiction, magazines, brochures, catalogues, a range of choices is important. You will be guided by their interests when observing where your children gravitate to, including Australian children's books and authors can make reading more relatable and enjoyable as kids can relate easily to the content as it can be familiar.
Key Points:
• Reading Space: Create a comfortable and quiet area dedicated to reading.
• Book Variety: Stock a diverse range of books and reading material
• Recommended Authors: Introduce children to renowned Australian authors like Mem Fox, Alison Lester, and Shaun Tan, Jackie French.
Making reading fun and interactive can encourage children to read more. Story-time with family members and friends, using interactive reading apps, and incorporating a range of cultural stories can make reading a positive experience. Practicing reading in everyday activities is important and can be done organically in daily tasks. For example reading street signs, signs at shops, restaurant menu’s and newspapers, if we are reading to our kids when we are in our community it naturally creates exposure and comfort for our kids which will bring confidence to them when if reading becomes more challenging.
Key Points:
• Story-time: Schedule regular reading sessions with parents and siblings make this a part of your routine that is predictable and familiar.
• Reading Apps: Utilise popular reading apps and games – kids don’t even know they are learning.
• Indigenous Stories: Include stories that reflect a range of cultures and heritages.
Teaching phonics is crucial for early readers. Focus on letter sounds and blending techniques as outlined in the Australian curriculum (if you are looking for more direction). There are several phonics programs and resources used in Australian schools that you can incorporate at home. Like Jolly Phonics, Reading Eggs and Aussie Readers.
Key Points:
• Phonics Instruction: Teach letter sounds and blending.
• Phonics Programs: Use recommended phonics programs like Jolly Phonics and Reading Eggs.
• Resources: Utilise educational tools, apps and guided programs
Starting off with picture books is an excellent way to build vocabulary and comprehension skills. Engage your child by asking questions about the story to enhance their understanding and retention. Point to the pictures that relate to the words as you read to your child. Select books that have a basic fonts when children are learning to read, this will help with word recognition over time. Books with varying font types, sizing and arrangement over the page can create confusion and misunderstanding. The more consistent and predictable we can be in the early stages of learning to read is essential in early reading development.
Key Points:
• Picture Books: Use illustrations and images to introduce new words and concepts.
• Comprehension Questions: Ask questions to encourage critical thinking.
• Educational Resources: For extension, access educational resources to connect the reading experience with vocabulary and comprehension development.
Fostering a love for reading involves more than just teaching the mechanics. Reading aloud, allowing children to choose their books, and visiting local libraries and bookshops can cultivate a lifelong love for reading. Participating in programs like the Premier's Reading Challenge can also motivate children to read more. Children seeing their parent engaging in reading activities and discussions around what family members have been reading assists in the exposure to reading and literacy. Getting your kids to start a book swap, community library or book club is another exciting way of encouraging a love of reading.
Key Points:
• Reading Aloud: Share stories and discuss them together.
• Book Choice: Let children pick books that interest them.
• Libraries and Programs: Visit libraries, join holiday programs and join reading initiatives like the Premier's Reading Challenge.
Here are some fantastic free resources to help you get started on your reading journey with your child:
• ABC Reading Eggs: Free trial resources
• Australian Literacy Educators' Association: Free downloadable activities
• State Library of Queensland: Online story-time and reading resources
Teaching children to read is a rewarding journey that requires consistency and predictability. By aligning home reading practices with school expectations (if that is your path) and creating a supportive reading environment, you can help your child develop strong reading skills. Remember, the goal is to make reading an enjoyable and enriching experience that will be a positive for your child in their future.
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