VANCOUVER -- When parents think about when they should teach their kids to read -- ages four or five are usually the benchmarks. But experts say start early -- and you can ensure their success and on-going interest in books.
Reading is a regular activity in the Hoyle household. Books are part of their everyday lives.
Sonja Hoyle, mother, says, "books are just a part of our lives everyday. Even now, before bedtime, it's three stories a night."
All those books are building a solid foundation for Justin. At three-years old -- he's already reading .
Mom Sonja says, "He can tell you the story. And it's remarkable to see that, and I assume that's just from the amount of time we've spent reading with them."
Pat Parungao with the Vancouver School Board says, "start right from pre-natal growth and it's a life journey, so it doesn't just start at school."
Pat Parungao is a teacher-librarian at the Vancouver School Board. Not surprisingly -- she's a fan of libraries -- especially building up a collection at home.
"We should always start from the child's interests. Even we're playing nursery rhymes, start with what they like and build on that."
Other tips for young readers:
- Encourage language development everywhere with your child.
- If you go for a walk, talk about shapes and objects. Then introduce sounds and letters.
- Some children are more inspired -- by playing with magnetic letters or even forming them out of playdough.
- Highlighting letters in the newspaper can also get them interested.
- Make it fun and natural, and let them lead the way.
Comic books, magazines, too, are all valid sources of reading.
Sonya Hoyle hopes this passion for reading will also pass onto nine-month old Julia.
"Crack open some books and it really does help with their language development."
Some parents want to stay true to books -- rather than turning to computers. But -- there are great websites out there for early readers. One suggestion is www.starfall.com.
Thursday May 4, 2006
