This simple technique employed by a former teacher to educate toddlers in reading is becoming a viral sensation.

 

                                 @toddlerscanread/TikTok

If you have a child starting kindergarten this coming fall, you'll soon become acquainted with the extensive lists of sight words they'll be bringing home. While memorizing sight words is just one method for young children to develop their reading skills, Spencer Russell, a former teacher and the founder of Toddlers CAN Read, is gaining widespread attention for his phonetic approach, which goes beyond mere memorization.

"When we teach children to read, our aim is to equip them with skills that can be applied to new and unfamiliar words, not just those they've encountered before or can guess based on context," Russell explains.

He further elaborates that young children who appear to be reading in kindergarten because they've memorized many words often miss out on learning the two most crucial skills for reading almost any English word: 1) understanding letter sounds (phonics) and 2) blending these sounds together to form words.

While these skills may not be critical during toddlerhood, neglecting to teach them can have far-reaching consequences, impacting various aspects of a child's life, from relationships to career opportunities and even their overall well-being. It's sobering to note that many adults never attain reading proficiency. According to the National Literacy Institute, approximately 40 percent of students in the U.S. struggle to read at a basic level, and over 20 percent of adults remain illiterate.

Identifying the signs that your child is ready to embark on the journey of learning to read and combining them with the foundational elements of reading can lay the groundwork for a lifetime of literacy success and a genuine love for reading.

When is the ideal time for parents to teach their children to read?

There isn't an age or timeline that determines when children should begin learning to read. According to Spencer it's entirely, up to the parents. Depends on their belief in their child's potential to learn and succeed in any endeavor. However, there are four indicators that can help parents assess their child's readiness.

1. Oral Language; Being able to articulate sounds is crucial for learning how to read. Learning letter sounds is one of the most important steps in the reading process.

2. Memory; Children should have the ability to remember the sounds they've learned. If they can recall objects like colors, shapes and names it suggests they have the memory capacity to start learning how to read.

3. Focus; Children should be capable of concentrating on the sounds they're learning. Since reading instruction typically requires a few minutes per day most kids can sustain their focus enough to begin the learning process.

4. Motivation; Both the child and parent should have an interest, in the learning process. Forcing it upon them can create anxiety and potentially hinder progress before it even begins.

How can parents effectively teach their children to read?

Since every child learns differently, parents should adapt their approach based on their child's preferences and learning style. This can include adjusting the timing, location, and teaching style. Spencer recommends three fundamental tips to establish a strong foundation for reading success:

1. Teach Letter Sounds: Parents can make this a fun experience by incorporating it into enjoyable activities or games. Start by focusing on just two to three letter sounds at a time until they are mastered.

2. Teach Sound Blending: Practice blending sounds together by listening to and combining them or visually blending them. For example, help children combine the sounds each letter makes to understand how words are constructed (e.g., C-U-P).

3. Establish a Consistent Reading Routine: Read to your children frequently, but also encourage them to read to you.

Additionally, consider the following:

- Timing: Select a time when both you and your child are at your best.

- Space: Choose a calm and comfortable space, whether indoors or outdoors.

- Transitions: Be intentional about how you transition into and out of reading time. Maintaining consistent activities before reading time and providing a five-minute warning beforehand can help your child ease into the lesson. Concluding each lesson with a celebration or enjoyable activity can also keep your child looking forward to it every day.

Above all, remember to be patient with both you and your child. Shorter lessons, occasional skipped sessions, or seeking assistance from another adult are all healthy ways to modify the process while still achieving long-term progress.