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Toddler Reading – Tips That Make Teaching Easier!

By Nandhini Devi

Teaching a toddler how to read helps you develop a very good habit in him. Once he learns how to read and enjoys doing the same, he will find many ways to spend time other than watching television or playing online games. Reading also improves toddler vocabulary.

However, there is a debate on whether a toddler should be taught to read or not. The answer to this is, if your kid shows interest in books, you can teach him how to read. Though the task might be a little difficult, it could do no harm to your child!

Toddler reading tips -

1.Read out aloud to your child, when he younger. Point out to the word you are reading too while reading. This naturally helps him develop his interest in reading and also improves his reading skills.

2.An important toddler reading tip is to use phonics while reading out to them. This way their pronunciation skills too will develop and will make them recognise the words as per sounds. If your toddler is having trouble in pronouncing certain words, ask him to concentrate on your mouth and lips movement while pronouncing the word.

3.Get story books that include only 1-3 words on each page and are printed in bold letters. Once he starts to get familiar with words, get him more books that are related to the similar words. If your child insists on reading on particular book, do it. This will improve his vocabulary too.

4.Whenever you go out, point out to advertisement hoardings and ask him to read out the name aloud. You can also tell him a word and ask him to search where it is appearing. This is one toddler reading tip that you can follow when you are travelling.

5.Label every item in your house. Close your eyes and tell him the name of any item in the house. Ask him to go that item and spell the word. If he has improved his reading skills ask him to read out the names of other items in the vicinity.

6.Some television shows such as Word World and Super Why are very helpful, when it comes to teaching a toddler to read. With a combination of animation, sounds and colours, these shows can actually be a helpful learning tool for your little one.

Follow these toddler reading tips to inculcate one of the best habits in your child – Reading. Do not force the toddler to read. Start to train him slowly only if he shows interest. Anyway, once he reaches 4 or 5 years reading is compulsorily taught in schools. So, he will naturally pick-up.

Story first published: Tuesday, July 12, 2011, 16:42 [IST]
Read more about: reading toddlers