When you start to teach reading you have to learn how to teach reading

If your children are having problems learning to read you have to intervene as reading is very important. And if your children have problems with reading they will have problems throughout school. So you must do

something so your children get ahead in reading.

Usually reading problems are phonics problems.

So you have to start teaching phonics. Phonics are not that difficult as we use them everyday when we speak. Phonics are the code joining what you say to the written word. They are a written representation of the spoken word. Nothing to be intimidated about.

To teach young children phonics I prefer to use the Montessori teaching method. Her system uses sandpaper letters and this helps the child remember the sounds. It is a very simple system and can be integrated with other systems and any learning to read book. It is a handy supplement to the school textbooks.

In a nutshell you make up the word with the sandpaper letters and as your child traces the word you both say the phonic sounds.

This way your child can learn what the phonic sounds look like. Also the simple act of tracing the letters is preparing your child to write so writing just comes naturally. You have heard of reading in bed well it works and the more reading you do to your child the faster she will learn. But you must follow what you are reading with a pencil or your finger so your child can see what sound matches what word. If you do these two simple things your child should be able to read.

For more information about phonics courses I recommend including a Montessori course see our Teach Reading page.