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Learning to read Podcast

YLV Ep.38 Preparing your child for learning to read before they even look at letters

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HERE’S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS EPISODE:

This episode features Rachael, a part-time teacher who is helping families of early readers before they even look at letters. Here are three takeaways from the episode:

  1. Gross motor skills are crucial for reading and writing: Rachael emphasized the importance of developing gross motor skills in children before they start school. This includes activities that help children gauge pressure, pour and push things, and pick up objects. These skills may not seem directly related to reading and writing, but they play a vital role in preparing children for these activities.

  2. Preparation is key: Rachael stressed the need for parents to prepare their children for school by introducing them to phonological awareness and other pre-reading skills early on, with a focus on oral and physical skills that are needed for school.

  3. Phonemic awareness is a key skill in preparing the ears ready for phonics. 

Overall, this episode was packed with valuable information for parents and educators alike.

MEET RACHAEL

She is a part time early years teacher and cofounder of Funics – fun with phonics. Preparing young ears, voices and fingers to read and write.

She is passionate about all the skills needed before children need to read and write. Too often they come to school with habits we need to change. She aims to change this and support parents who find that they don’t know enough about phonics to support their child.

She’s worked in education for over 25yrs. I’ve been an au pair in USA , a nanny in the U.K. worked as a nursery nurse, and qualified as a teacher 17 years ago. She is passionate about all adults working with children gaining a better understanding of gross motor development and how it supports academic learning.

TOPICS COVERED:
  • 00:02:02 Importance of Phonological Awareness.
  • 00:04:49 Develop phonological awareness early.
  • 00:10:09 Developing core skills is crucial.
  • 00:17:18 Develop pre-reading skills through play.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
CONNECT WITH RACHAEL and FUNICS
CONNECT WITH SARAH

Phonological Awareness is crucial
Phonological Awareness is a crucial skill for children that refers to their ability to recognise and play with sounds. It includes aspects such as rhyme, rhythm, and syllables, which are all aurally based and do not require children to read anything. 

Unfortunately, this area is often overlooked in early childhood education, as it is harder to measure progress compared to teaching children to recognise letters and sounds. However, Phonological Awareness is a vital skill for children, as those with well-developed skills in this area are more likely to become successful readers and spellers at school.

Parents can help their children develop Phonological Awareness by reading lots of nursery rhymes and rhyming books, playing games with sounds and words, and using literation, which involves saying words that have the same sound at the beginning. Additionally, parents can play clucking games with syllables, which are essential for breaking up longer words to spell and helping children blend sounds together.

Phonological Awareness refers to the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken language. It is a crucial skill for children to develop before they start reading and writing.

Parents and educators should prioritize Phonological Awareness in early childhood education. It is essential to develop these skills as they help children become successful readers and spellers, setting them up for academic success in the future. The is part of the foundation for reading and writing, and children who lack these skills will struggle to learn these essential skills.

The podcast suggests several activities that parents can engage in to help their children develop Phonological Awareness. These activities include reading nursery rhymes, playing games with sounds and words, and using literation and clucking games with syllables. 

Gross Motor is also important and overlooked

 

Importance of gross motor development in supporting early literacy. Gross motor skills develop from the call out, and it is essential to focus on these skills as they can help children develop fine motor skills required for handwriting. Parents can engage their children in physical activities that help develop gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing.

Develop whole body control for writing
However, it is important to note that developing whole body control is just as crucial for children’s success in writing. 

Children use their whole bodies when writing, and developing control in their fingers, arms, and shoulders is essential. This control comes from developing core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability. Therefore, parents and educators should prioritise activities that help children develop these skills, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors.

Furthermore, it is important to note that children learn at different rates and pushing them too early can be negative to their development. For instance, Phonics does not necessarily need to start until reception, and parents should not worry if their child is not ready to write their name before starting school. Instead, parents should focus on helping their child recognise their name, which is beneficial for finding their belongings at school.

In conclusion, developing whole body control for writing is just as crucial as developing Phonological Awareness for children’s academic success. Parents and educators should prioritise activities that help children develop core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors. 

Additionally, parents should not worry about pushing their child too early and should focus on helping them recognise their name before starting school. By prioritising these skills, children are more likely to become successful writers and set themselves up for academic success in the future.

Pre-reading skills are vital
These skills are vital for children’s academic success. Rachel emphasises the need to develop whole-body control as well as phonological awareness for children’s writing ability. She suggest that parents and educators prioritize activities that help children develop core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors.

Also its helpful to for your child to recognise their name before starting school. Rachel says parents not to worry about pushing their child too early and instead focus on helping them recognising their name. This skill can help children feel more confident and prepared for school, setting them up for academic success in the future.

Other activities to try

Other activities that can help children develop pre-reading skills, such as creating obstacle courses, playing ball games, and going on nature walks. They stress the importance of hand-eye coordination, proprioception, and pressure control in writing ability. These skills can be developed through pouring, pushing, and picking up objects.

MORE ABOUT THE READING MADE DELICIOUS PODCAST

The Reading Made Delicious Podcast is a podcast for parents and others who are supporting a child learning at home. It is a show that will help you begin to get the tools you’ll need to help your child on their unique learning journey with a special focus on reading. Each week, Sarah Travers and her guests will share insights and actionable top tips that you can use to support your child, see progress and enjoy family moments with learning. You’ll learn the lingo, the strategies and the long-term game plan to grow a learner.

Content Disclaimer

The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this episode are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcastSarah Travers disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this episode.

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