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I worked in a children's educational bookshop and the advice we gave all the time was just to continually read to them. My boss (ex primary school librarian) always said that books with rhyme are a big help because the child can then start to anticipate the end word and then start to recognise the word too. Books like Mr McGee were her favourites for that. If you're looking for suggestions on books, try getting Mem Fox's Reading Magic which sells for about $8, or Paul Jennings The Reading Bug.
As far as using a pen goes, have you tried using one of those thick greylead pencils? I've heard that sometimes that helps the grip.
Hope that helps, you've got some great advice in this thread.
Corelly x
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Arte - just wondering if you ended up trying Reading Eggs. I've just started with H and she absolutely loves it. In 1 week she's learnt the sounds of 5 letters, and spots them on cars, signs etc when we're out. It's fabulous!
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We just did the free trial for Reading Eggs, but since he already recognised all the letters and their sounds it was a bit behind what he was up to iykwim? I didn't have the time to get through all the letter levels to get to the words so we let it go.
He can read about 6-7 words, I haven't really bothered with it because he has lost interest (bike for Christmas lol) but I am betting he will be a lot keener over the winter when we are shut inside more. He is starting to write letters (on his own accord) but gets very frustrated if he can't do it right the first time.
That is awesome that H is picking it up so quickly.
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Artechim - this is based on no educational/knowledge whatsoever :) but I learnt to read by first learning the letters, then sounding them out (I guess this is phonetics) and having people read to me so that by osmosis you start to recognise words (I guess this is whole word thingymajig).
For what it's worth, children have been learning to read for ages. Theories will come and go, just as guidelines on solids change in the wind. I also think that perhaps different children learn in different ways and phonetics may be good for some, not good for others.
AND some kids want to read, some don't.
My sister learnt to read quite early. I didn't learn until I went to school because apparently I wouldn't sit still long enough. My house is filled with books, hers is not.
I think it's excellent that you're tuned into your little boy and find it quite ridiculous that anyone would imply that you're putting pressure on him. My DD is the opposite - she's not at all interested in sitting down to look at a book (apart from at bedtime because that delays going to sleep) but she is Mrs Social. All different, all with different things to offer the world.
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Artechim - Reading eggs has an evaluation type thing to start them at the level they are at so you don't have to go through the 'basics'
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Thanks Fionas
That is interesting Liz, maybe because I just did the free trial? Or maybe I ticked the wrong box when I signed up. Not sure if I can have the free trial again now (although they send me a million email offers!)
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Hi Arte - you could just put A's name in for another free trial maybe
