4 yr old wants to read-how?

Mrs_pbradley936

Many thanks to lil_me for the correct definition above – it was only my laziness and hurry to respond which prevent me from looking it up.

For the general population being able to read is a day to day function we often take for granted. However a functioning level of reading means different things to different people. Many (most?) people get by if they can read the headlines in a tabloid newspaper and check a TV listing to see if their favourite soap clashes with the football. That would not be good enough if you wanted to successfully study literature at university level. There was a move away from the teaching of phonics in the late 60s into the 70s which many feel had an impact, that trend is now being reversed. That different methods work for different children is not in doubt, however a phonics based programme appears to be the most successful for the majority.

For anyone interested there is information below about a scientific study into dyslexia.

Dyslexia-specific brain activation profile becomes normal following successful remedial training
by Simos,P., et al
Author: Harvey Donald, Member & Customer Support

A group of students was remediated using Phono-Graphix and another group, using Lindamood. MRI's before and after showed signigicant difference in brain activation.

The full reference is:

"Dyslexia-specific brain activation profile becomes normal following successful remedial training," by Simos,P., et al, published in Neurology, vol. 58, p. 1203-1212.

DGGS_2

I think that you're doing very well if you're dyslexic yourself - most dyslexics avoid ANYTHING to do with reading! Dyslexia certainly does run in families but if your son is keen then encourage him (but don't get stressed yourself!) Do watch his self-esteem though because this is a big problem for many dyslexics. The law changed recently so schools and LEAs are under more of an obligation to detect and asssist dyslexics now. NOT identifying a dyslexic now should not happen. You can find more information that might help on https://www.harrisdyslexia.com

I learned to read at 4 years old but not everyone can. But what IS helpful are very structured teaching programmes (and Kumon isn't bad). But going to the school to ask for advice in advance is a good move - so just relax and enjoy!

Mrs_pbradley936

This is an interesting article on dyslexia:-

http://www.tes.co.uk/search/story/?story_id=2128733

Ted_Hutchinson

the finding that omega-3 status was directly related to reading performance irrespective of dyslexia supports a dimensional view of this condition, and our results also suggest that it is the omega-3/omega-6 balance that is particularly relevant to dyslexia The latest research on the Dyslexia/omega 3 deficit debate.
Cheapest source of high strength omega 3, apart from Netto's Sardines in Tomato Sauce that provide 2g of omega 3 per 18p tin is probably Zipvit Omega Juice. though those with unlimited finances may prefer Eye Q products when they are on special offer. (don't go for the chewables listed in the zipvit link, aspartame & hydrogenated vegetable oil and a pathetic amount of omega 3. To have a significant effect 550mg omega 3 is the minimum)
But oily fish (sardines, herring, mackeral, wild salmon,) twice a week may work out cheaper.

Savvy_Sue

DS2 practically taught himself to read ... from the cereal packets on our breakfast table!

He was keen, I was so fugged up with PND I didn't really notice he was desperate to read, but he would ask "What does that say?" and I'd tell him, and the next day he'd do the same, so I'd tell him what it started with, and so on we went.

Story tapes which 'ping' when it's time to turn the page might help you both, as well. You can point to the words as someone else reads, and your son won't get confused if the 'ping' comes when he's not expecting it.

Although from memory, when the boys started school they were quite happy for them to decode stories from the pictures to begin with. As others have said, just having books available and looking at them with you gives him a head start!

MonkeySaving?

Do you have a computer? If so then i can highly recommend the "Reader Rabbit" series, our four (now six) year old learnt loads from this i.e matching pictures with words and making sentences up from pictures (lots of phonics included). Best thing is, you can sit with them while they do it. A wonderful set of applications in my opinion
Have a look here -> http://www.mindscape.net.au/products/TopProducts.asp?sst=2&cid=1&ssid=13

Minxz

Havn't read through the whole thresd, so sorry if this has alrady been posted!
the leaning tree books are a good range, used in many schools.
Also the Biff & Chip books.
Jolly Phonics are good for younger children.
There are many rescources on the web that help with printouts of phonic sheets and sounds too.
Try
http://www.readmestories.com/?gclid=CKGI35OH2ocCFQ6GQgodW31dSA
http://www.ed.gov/parents/read/resources/edpicks.jhtml?src=qc

I shall try and find some of my resources and email them to you if you like, as i used to teach english to 6-11 year olds.
Hope that helps!

lil_me

Biff and Chip are in the Magic Key series which are from The Oxford Reading Tree company. Good books those.

Jay-Jay_4

The thing that worries me about using the phonics packs is that these are often taught first in reception class and it takes a few months to master all of the basic phonics and blends. If the school is using Jollyphonics as a tool and your child has already been there and done that, he will be left gazing out of the window in boredom.

If you've ever been taught a subject that you already know then you'll know how dull it is to go through it all again.

chocaholic110 wrote:

As a teacher (and currently doing dissertation on learning to read) it can be very difficult when parents learn children the sound as buh, huh, suh, muh etc

:eek: Do you mean .....

As a teacher (and currently doing dissertation on learning to read) it can be very difficult when parents teach children the sound as buh, huh, suh, muh etc

chocaholic110

eek, yes! Can I claim baby brain on that one??