My son just started reading, and it's thrilling to watch a whole new world open up to him. Not only books, but cereal boxes, shampoo bottles, and signs now have new meaning. It's a big step towards independence; now he can begin to decipher the world for himself through the magic of words. We're all eager for our children to learn to read. Learning to read is such an important milestone in our culture, that we all want it to happen as soon as possible. I've had to learn, that like potty training it can't be rushed. If I push him into it before he is ready, I may wind up with a son who hates reading. It's much more important to foster a love of reading in him then to push him into reading as early as possible.
That doesn't mean that I can't do things to prepare the way, however. Most parents recognize the importance of reading to their children from a very early age. My husband and I started reading to our son from the first day we brought him home from the hospital. While he certainly didn't understand what we were saying, I think the sound of our voices was soothing to him. It was a long time before he even began to understand the words, and to realize there was a relationship between the book and the words. But eventually he began to love books, as I do, and hardly a day goes by without reading at least one book.
I also suffered from severe headaches when my son was younger, and some days all I could do was to spread a blanket and pillows on the floor and read him book after book. Although my headaches are much improved, we still occasionally enjoy lying on the floor and reading through a pile of books. It's a special time that we share.
Beyond learning to love reading, it's important for children to learn that words are made up of sounds. Word games are one good way to teach this. My son and I have always enjoyed playing silly rhyming games, where one of us says a word, and then we take turns coming up with words that rhyme. Sometimes the words make no sense, but it doesn't matter if they are real words or not, because it is fun and he doesn't realize that he is learning something about rhyming and letter sounds. Playing with the sound of words gave him a foundation in phonics long before he began to associate those sounds with letters.
Fun is an important key in every step of the process. If I can make it fun, my son enjoys it more and learns more, without even knowing that he is learning. If I try to "teach" him, he resists as hard as he can. Anytime I can make a game out of something, I have a greater chance of success.
One game my son loves to play is a memory game, like the old game Concentration, where each player turns over two cards looking for a match. It's easy to make a version of this game, using index cards, to teach the letter sounds. Each pair of cards has one letter on it, and each player says the sound that the letter makes when he turns over the cards.
In any of these types of games or activities we do, when my son gets something right, we cheer, clap, and get excited together. It is exciting, after all, and no one is more excited than he is. He is so pleased with himself, and proud that he can sound out the signs in the mall or the label on his box of crayons. As for me, I know that by reading to him and sharing my own love of reading, by encouraging his efforts, making it fun, and getting excited, that I have given him the best possible foundation that I can give him. 
Hooked on Phonics Sale!
Hooked on Phonics is having an overstock sale! From now until June 1, 2006, you can buy Hooked on Phonics products at incredible prices!
Learn to Read with Audio Cassettes: Normally $279.99, now only $99.99
Hooked on Math with Audio Cassettes: Normally $249.95, now only $99.99
Hooked on School Success: Normally $249.95, now only $99.99, plus free 2005 World Book encyclopedia
Click the Hooked on Phonics link below to purchase at these prices
