4 Tips on Helping Your Homeschooler Child Learn to Read

by Oye Akintan on April 07, 2022

Helping children learn to read is one area that even the most seasoned parent is concerned about. With good reason: almost everyone was told that reading is best left to the professionals, who can tell us when our kids should start, what method to use, and how long it should take. 

Tests and reports, we're told, are crucial to the learning process. However, the problem is that most of this advice is incorrect.

In this article, learn some tips on helping your homeschooler to read and where to find preschool learning apps. 

When Is The Best Time to Read?

Most schooled youngsters are working through "reading preparation" programs by kindergarten and are expected to grasp and understand basic reading principles. Is this, however, the optimal age to begin reading?

According to Louise Bates Ames, director of research at the Gesell Institute of Child Development and author of over 15 books on children's development and behavior, this isn't the case. 

In “A Developmental Approach to Reading Problems”, Ames writes that "a delay in reading instruction would be a preventative measure in avoiding nearly all reading failure."

Dr. Raymond and Dorothy Moore, widely regarded as the "grandparents" of the modern homeschool movement, share this viewpoint. The Moores provide well-researched claims in "Better Late Than Early and School Can Wait" that youngsters aren't biologically ready for rigorous reading activities until they are 8 or 10 years old. 

Waiting promotes maturity and reasoning in youngsters, as well as a reduction in frustration and despair.

Using a Combination of Techniques

Another myth that perplexes all parents, not just homeschoolers, is that just one form of instruction should be employed. For years, there was a debate regarding "whole language" vs. "phonics," with whole language programs falling short of school expectations. 

Straight phonics is more effective, but it necessitates the use of books and worksheets that many children find tedious. Smart parents realize that combining the two ways is the most effective based on their child's unique learning style.

Where Can You Begin? 

But don't think you need to follow a reading guide to succeed. Reading is a process that takes different amounts of time for different youngsters. What worked for your friend's child may not be appropriate for your child. The key is to figure out which strategy works best for your youngster. Here are reading tips to help you and your child get started.

4 Tips on Helping Your Homeschooler Child to Read 

Tip #1: Learn With Sounds 

The cornerstone of reading is learning the alphabet and the sounds that each letter represents. The following phase is for your child to learn simple terms that they can easily master. You can use index cards to record the names of items in your home, then pin or attach the card to the object. The cards were removed, and sentences were formed once the words had been learned.

At this point, phonics workbooks can be useful, but don't go overboard. We produced flashcards of reading words that my kid stumbled on, revisited frequently, and practiced letter sounds and blends. I'm not a big lover of flashcards, so I used them sparingly, but she didn't seem to mind, and they were really useful.

Tip #2: Find Good Beginner Books 

Make sure you select easy-to-read books on any subject your child is interested in. Soccer? Is it possible to go through space? Animals? Clouds? Ensure that your youngster understands the value of reading as a source of enjoyment and knowledge. 

Tip #3: Use Chapter Books 

Your children can move to chapter novels once they have mastered the simple readings. Gertrude Chandler Warner's The Boxcar Children is an excellent place to start. The American Girlseries (penned by several writers) is a fun way to learn about history. Moreover, who could resist Marjorie Weinman Sharmat's Nate the Great series, which are great mystery novels about a young detective and his dog Sludge? 

Tip #4: Explore Online Resources 

Remember that your computer may be a terrific tool for motivating your young readers. Games, printables, and teaching resources are available as homeschooling resources to encourage your children to read. You can also look for the best reading apps for kids that can help them engage with interesting visuals and interactive features. 

Conclusion

As a parent, it is an honor to have the opportunity to teach your child the hidden code of reading. Making reading a pleasurable experience will foster a lifelong love of reading while helping them learn about life and cherish moments with you.

At Kids Plenty, you can find children's augmented reality stories & picture books that educate, entertain, and empower homeschooled children. The Kids Plenty 4D Mobile AR App is a teaching tool that makes learning interesting and engaging. Browse through our website for more homeschooling resources.

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