Teaching your child to read open his/her eyes to the world

Reading is a precious gift.
A child who can read can explore the wonders of books and magazines.
Reading can transport a child into an imaginary world.
Reading can allow a child to learn from the character's experiences and mistakes.

As a kiasu parent, I placed reading as a priority for my son.
Watching him pick up a book, reading every word accurately without help, is extremely rewarding.
No words can describe that feeling - when you realise your little baby is an independant reader and will go on to explore books on his own, diving into fantasy worlds and learning about past events.

How to get a 3yo to read?
Honestly, I never taught it would be possible.
When I bought books, I always harboured the thought that he'll only start reading them when he's 5yo or older. However, that did not stop me. I went on mad book sprees, buying whole sets of phonics readers, sight word readers, etc etc. Anything that I could get my hands on, I bought. My husband thought that I was mad. I convinced him that being surrounded by books (though he still couldn't read) will have a positive effect. And it did.

When he was younger, he would simply flip through the books to look at the pictures. We sorted out the books:
- Picture books (or books with interesting pictures)
- Simple phonics books
- Simple sight word books
- Tougher story books (sorted by difficulty level)

Picture books and simple phonics books were placed on the lower shelves, within easy reach.
As he flipped through the books, we pointed to the words and read clearly and slowly to him.

There are generally 2 methods to teach reading: Phonics & Sight Words.
I'm kiasu. We used both methods.

Phonics was picked up watching a very entertaining DVD: Leapfrog Letter Factory.
Followed with Word Factory and Code Word Caper.
He attended phonics lessons but what they were teaching was so basic, he went there to play, not to learn.

Sight words were learnt through DVDs and flashcards (DIY).
Simply go to Popular, get a book called 'High Frequency Words' and they have flashcards that come with the book too. 128 common words, sorted out into 4 terms and activities to match.
Then, get a pack of cards (around 250 - 300 gsm, A4 size will do) from Popular (near the shelves where they place the construction papers). Get a thick marker (preferably red or black). Write down common sight words on the cards and let your child play with them.

My son did not like use to 'flash' the cards like GD method. He loved touching the cards, flipping them himself. So be it. As he looked at each card, point and read to him. Yes, he did try eating the cards. We stopped him. He did try bending the cards, we stopped him too. After a while, he realised that the cards have to be handled with care. No bending, no eating, no drawing on it.

When outside, point and read whatever words/signboards you can. Get them interested in the words around them. It's FREE and FUN!

Make up silly songs to spell out words so that they can recognise the words too.
"One, One - O. N. E!
Two, Two - T. W. O!
...."
(Sung to 'Lu Lu Skip to my Lu')


Reading is really fun! You don't need alot of money or knowledge to empower your child with reading. Simply read with your child and encourage your child to read the simple words to you first.
Encouragement helps them to build up their confidence to read!

Also, set an example. Get a few books for yourself and start reading.
Children learn my example and you will be amazed when your child wants to read, just like you!