Approach to tackle Language Arts(English)

Sometimes we often get overwhelmed on how to start the kid explore a new language. Pre-K is quite easy that way, where the scope of English or any other language for that matter of fact is limited to learn alphabets - the stepping stones for any language. However, we cannot really stop there. The most important step in the child's tender age is to Step into Reading. I will be listing below couple of things which we can follow step by step to engage the child into reading.

• Alphabet and Sound Recognition - The child should be well versed with the letters and the sounds the letter make irrespective of the age and when I say letters, it includes both upper and lower case letters. Eg. - "A", "a", "X", "x"

• Blends - The child should be able to recognise the blends and the sound the blend makes. Eg. - "bl", "pl", "fl", "st"

• Digraphs - The child should be able to recognise the digraph and the sound the digraph makes. Eg. - "sh", "th", "ch", "wh"

• CVC words - CVC words means the 3 letter words - consonant, vowel and consonant. Eg. "cat", "bun", "mom".

• Sight words - Once the kid is well versed with the above, start with teaching the sight words which are quite useful. To make things easier get the sight words flash cards (the flash cards can also be prepared at home).

• Four letter words including Blends and Digraphs - Practice the kids with above concepts thoroughly and slowly move to introduction of four letter words. Initially take the words which can be related to the above concepts like - "wash", "star", "chin"

• Simple sentences - Start combining words learned above to make simple sentences. This gives the kids the happiness and encouragement that they are able to read on their own. Eg. " I have a cat", "Bob has a hat"

•  Reading books - There are many reading book series which provides easy to read sentences with sight words. Here are some of the reading books which I referred for my kids - "Keywords with Peter and Jane", "The Cat in the Hat - Dr Seuss", "Phonics in reading series 1"

Remember reading is an art which should be gradually introduced to child step by step with lots of patience, the kids will fall and stand up again but as teachers and parents we need to ensure we are there to help them at every stage.