This is the 2nd step of our reading program where the kids are ready to learn the syllables.
Once the children have mastered the sound of each letter of the alphabet, it’s time to teach them the syllables. A syllable is composed of the consonant and the vowel sound. So you have to make the children aware that they are now learning about another reading lesson.
It is important to let the children learn how to connect the two sound in order to read the syllable.
This could be done by sounding off the consonant then followed by the vowel.
As I said earlier in the first step of the reading program, non-English speaking children or ESL students have a different perception of reading English words than English speaking children.
Let’s now start teaching the children the syllables.
Here’s an example:
In the syllable ma; you can sound off the m as mmmmm followed by the a which has the aaa sound.
mmmm aaaaa says ma.
Let the children repeat several times for retention.
As I’ve always said in my previous articles, ‘repetition works well for the young children’.
Reading is all about sounds.
Let the children sound off every letter to make learning reading easier and faster.
There is no short cut to reading. Always start from the basic, that is learning the sounds of each letter of the alphabet.
When you have instilled in the children the basic foundation of reading, there is no doubt that they are going to learn how to read properly.
It is every child’s cream to read. You will soon discover that once a child learns how to read the syllable, it is easier for them to read the three letter words.
It is just a matter of connecting the sound and once the children learn how to connect the sounds, you will be very happy with the result.
In my experience, a child learns better when you follow a routine. Daily practice is very important. The children will learn better if they read everyday and in a consistent manner.
Here’s a reading drill for the children to read every day.
After reading you can let the children copy the syllables. This activity can enhance their reading skills and help them memorize the syllables easier.
It is important to guide the children while they are copying.
Here are some activities to do:
Paper works
No matter what lesson you are teaching the children, paper works are very important. You can let them copy, color match pictures to the syllables or encircle the beginning syllable of the word. Make sure too that the worksheets are clear and big enough for the children to easily decipher.
Reading
Reading individually or choral reading is good. The m ore the children read, the better.
Games
You can have games too about the syllables you are learning for the day. You can present an object or a picture then ask a child to tell the beginning syllable of the object. Contests challenge children to participate. Incentives are great when children win. This will keep them active and participate in the activities.
Give a variety of activities for fun learning. Children love it when they have many activities aside from reading and writing. The games and other activities you do will enhance better learning.
Apply the steps when teaching the other letters of the alphabet.
Stick with us for the next step in teaching beginner reading.