Nov 09
24
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT READING AND PHONICS
What is reading?
Reading is a complex process involving word recognition, comprehension, fluency, and motivation. Reading and writing abilities continue to develop throughout life. The years from birth to eight are the most important in literacy development.
Do most children learn to read easily?
Only 5% of children learn to read effortlessly.
20% – 30% of children learn to read relatively easily when formally instructed including phonics lessons. Phonics for kids as early as possible gives a beginning reader a head start.
60% of children find learning to read challenging. This is why phonics for five year old kids is an absolute necessity.
What can parents and caregivers do to ensure a child learns to read?
For a child to become a good reader, it takes a partnership that begins at home and continues at school. You can prepare your child to read by sharing your time, talking about the world around you, telling and reading stories and asking and answering questions.
What factors hinder reading development?
Not understanding the sounds that make up the language.
Not understanding that letters stand for the sounds in words. (The Alphabetic Principle)
Not able to comprehend what is read known as poor comprehension skill development.
No motivation to read.
Fundamental skills not taught systematically.
Can a person be taught to read at any age?
Definitely. It is never too late for someone to learn to read.
What is a learning disorder?
A learning disability is a disorder that affects a person’s ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. The most common of which is difficulty with language and reading.
What is Dyslexia
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability which results in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading, spelling, writing, and pronouncing words.
People with dyslexia have been found to have problems with identifying the separate speech sounds within a word and/or learning how letters represent those sounds.
Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels.
People who are very bright can be dyslexic. Dyslexia runs in families.
With proper help, many people with dyslexia can learn to read and write well.
What does the future hold for reading instruction?
Scientific research is now providing insights on how to prevent the development of poor reading and all the problems that come with it. Scientifically based reading instruction techniques can be used to improve the brain function of those with reading difficulties enabling them to read better.
What do you do if you suspect your child has a learning disability?
Don’t ignore your concern. Children want to please their parents and teachers and want to learn and succeed. Do not blame the child for their lack of success. Be sure to search for the reason for their difficulties. Begin with the child’s school and seek other professional help until you have an answer and your child is receiving the necessary support.
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