How to Teach Reading: My Biggest Obstacle
When I was teaching my oldest son to read I felt completely lost. Everywhere I looked I saw books that were marked for preschool and kindergarten readers, yet they had impossible words to read for a child that age! I would search the library shelves, and consult with the librarian, all looking for something simple enough to teach reading, something an ACTUAL preschooler could read! I mean come on, a preschooler or kindergartner cannot read most of the published books with the stamps of “approval” from the publishers…For example, this book that I happen to have on hand is just such a book…(Now full disclaimer, I LOVE Thomas the Train Engine, and I wish no harm to come upon him, or anyone for that matter…)However, this particular story that I have on hand about Thomas is specifically labeled for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners.
On the back of the book, it states this “Does your child know the alphabet? Is your child eager to begin reading? This is the perfect first step!”
When I read these on the covers I am thinking to myself “Awesome! A great book that my beginning reader can easily grasp!” Then you open the book and turn to the first page and what do you see? Blends, sight words, and digraphs, OH MY! And immediately I shut the book because again, this would be better suited for a first or second-grader, than my easily discouraged beginning reader!
SO FRUSTRATING!
The Secret You Need to Know When Teaching Reading
It wasn’t until very recently that I discovered a bit of a “secret” if you will. Under the description that I quoted above, claiming to be a great book for preschool and kindergartners, were two little words that I never understood until now. “Picture Clues”. Let me explain.
Under the description, it says in bold type: Big Type and Easy Words | Rhyme and Rhythm | Picture Clues.
What does that mean? They are saying that the pictures will allow your child to GUESS what the words are. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO ENCOURAGE A CHILD TO READ. Nor is it the way your child SHOULD be learning to read.
Find the complete How-To Guide to teaching reading here.
No Wonder Parents are Lost on How to Teach Reading!
No wonder so many parents feel so unqualified to teach their children to read! Heck, if, as these books are suggesting, my preschooler should be reading words like “Thomas, track, engine, and so on. No wonder we’re all feeling worried that our child can’t do it at the end of Kindergarten, either!
Now, there are some exceptions to the rule. But not many. And if I had to guess, your child isn’t the exception, they’re the rule. The rule is, your child is not ready to read these difficult words because they haven’t yet laid a proper foundation to read these books.
So why are we beating ourselves up? It’s not your fault! So I want you to stop. I want you to stop worrying that your child is behind. I want you to stop worrying that you’re not doing enough. Stop thinking you need to throw the towel in on teaching your child to read.
I am Passionate About Helping Others Teach Reading
This is the fire that fuels me in my desire to help parents teach their children to learn to read. (If you couldn’t tell I am very passionate about it!) That is why I created my own reading resources for those early years when parents try to teach reading. After all, necessity is the mother of invention, right?
Teach Your Child to Read the Right Way!
When you start with a strong foundation your child will have the confidence to make reading a life-long endeavor!
Once your child knows their letter sounds teach them the short vowel sounds. After this CVC words are the perfect words to start your child reading.
When your child is ready to start building words and reading short CVC words with few sight words, my shop is full of fun short stories for your eager reader!
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Check out this adorable spinning bookshelf! This bookshelf looks like a perfect addition to any bedroom or playroom.
For the budding writer, why not inspire them to create their own stories? 
