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The Secrets to Improving Your Child’s Reading

Written by Jade Lim

Every parent beams with joy and pride whenever his or her child reads a sentence successfully.

Little Sue-Ann, a 3-year old, has just brought home her first reader from kindergarten. She proudly reads aloud to her parent and the next thing you know, her beaming parent asks Sue-Ann how to spell a particular word. Obviously Sue-Ann’s reply will be, “I don’t know.” That poor 3-year old is feeling a little sad and discouraged for not being to “spell” and without being spared, the parent questions her child again, “How come you don’t know?”

The One Mistake Most Parents Make When Getting Their Child to Read

I have been teaching children aged 1.5 to 6 years old for almost 17 years and I have yet to see a child who is not able to read at all. When a child is given the right techniques and motivation, reading can be achieved without sweat. Reading is not about getting every word and spelling correct. Reading must be ENJOYED – a total pleasure!

Can you imagine when your child passes by a bookshop and she pesters you to bring her in? Yes, that child has discovered something that money cannot buy – knowledge.

Reading is the key to knowledge.

When I was about 6 or 7 years old, my mother used to say that she could not see my head. Well, it was because I was always behind a book. Back in those days, my mother would take me once a week to a little book shop called “Lim Brothers” in Malacca and what pure joy it was for me every time I stepped into this place. I’d get to choose a book and she would make the purchase but after that, she had a hard time getting me for my meals though!

When to Start Reading to Your Child?

So when should we start reading with a child? I’ve told many parents: start them even when your child is an infant. I’d read to my babies (my sons are now 10 and 6 respectively). They are fascinated with fantasy books and magazines.

My 10-year old son loves Roald Dahl’s books and is currently reading “Edgar and Ellen” series by Charles Ogden – it’s about a pair of twins, Edgar and Ellen who live alone. Their parents disappeared years ago. And who can blame them?

Next Up: Part 2...

What kind of books should we introduce to a 3, 4, 5 or 6 year olds? If you are keen to know, watch out for Part 2 on this website. I’ll be listing out some great books for your little ones.

Jade Lim is a principal of a kindergarten and she specializes in child education.

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Frania said:

Hi, enjoyed reading the articles pertaining to children and reading. I have a 7 year old daughter whom I always read to. She reads like probably a 5-year old would. ....the reasons are many...I think I always read to her and did not encourage her to read on her own, I was confused as to what method to follow ie the phonic or just reading, besides, she had to change schools very frequently (as we were moving). When she reads she follows the phonic way of reading. She does want to and makes a big attempt to read. Could you please advice me as to how I could go about teaching her and what books could she read? I stay in KL. Thank you.

2008-02-05 07:41:02

Big Brother to a Troubled Teen said:

this is a helpful post. when the time comes for me to have my own child, i'll do my best to keep my kid motivated and pumped up and i will not make my kid feel that he/she is failing. every failure will be considered as a stepping stone for my kid.

2008-02-11 09:16:51 | url

Jade Lim said:

Frania, to help you get started, here's a list of books that you might find useful:

1) Books by Rod Campbell (such as Dear Zoo)

2) The Foot Book by Dr Seuss

3) Bees and Butterflies by Gina Phillips and Stuart Martin

4) Go, Dog, Go! by PD Eastman

5) The Gingerbread Man - a touch and feel book.

6) Don't Cry Little Bear by Barrie Wade - very nice illustration and very good storyline!

7) I Like Bugs by Margaret Wise Brown

2008-02-15 14:14:17

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The One Mistake Most Parents Make When Getting Their Child to Read

When to Start Reading to Your Child?

Next Up: Part 2...

Frania said:

Big Brother to a Troubled Teen said:

Jade Lim said:

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