Learn How To Read

Inspire Your Child To Learn How To Read
By M Fish

Are your child's reading skills developed according to appropriate international reading standards? Educational research shows that 49.6% of American school-age children are at a literacy level below the expected international standard.* Also alarming is fact that parents are now finding that their pre-readers are expected to enter the educational arena with a higher level of development because of statewide standardized testing requirements. Of necessity, parents are constrained to bridge the gap for their children by preparing them for school through developing their reading readiness skills at home.


Photo: heartsandhandsonline.com

Fortunately, there are several practices that concerned parents can do in the comfort of their own home to improve their children's abilities. Note, that it is very important to make each stage of development fun, upbeat, and engaging for young children. First, begin with the improvement of basic language skills. This phase of learning can begin even at birth. Parents should read aloud to their children in a lively, expressive, and energized manner at every available opportunity.

Read-a-long or sing-a-long books and CD's are excellent resources to use, especially when driving. Pre-readers may gradually develop basic language skills by repeating aloud what is read to them. This entails having children explicitly recite stories, rhymes, or poems aloud to parents, mirroring proper inflection and expressiveness. Children should be inspired to practice their basic language skills and should spend a large portion of their time conducting oral reading. Oral reading develops reading skills by listening, as well as by doing.

In the process, by sharing picture storybooks with pre-readers, they increasingly develop print awareness. Print awareness is the understanding of how the print on a page works (i.e. directionality, words are read from left to right, letter names and shapes, etc). It is seeing and becoming familiar with printed words. Flash cards are a valuable tool to use to enhance sight word recognition. Singing songs or telling stories every day is an important step parents may take to train children who have not yet developed print awareness. The goal in developing print awareness is to help pre-readers reach phonemic awareness.

Phonemic awareness refers to the understanding of basic phonemes (word parts or sounds). Pre-readers gradually develop an understanding of how to decode words using phonics principals. Phonics awareness is further developed through the use of rhyming books, nonsense words, and songs. Excellent phonics program resources are available at most local libraries.

Each phase of this development process necessitates the use of quality children's books to improve language skills, oral reading skills, print awareness, phonemic awareness, and whole language skills. There are many quality whole-language children's books which can be used by parents to meet advanced reading readiness criterion. Good whole-language children's books are ones that have been carefully written and developed over years with each of these educational principals in mind.

By kindergarten, on average, children have a basic vocabulary of approximately 3000-5000 words. One such example of a good whole-language book is a recently published picture book titled Snerfy Cat Meets Prancy Finch by Mister Fish, which utilizes a blend of these common vocabulary words and introduces children to brand new words, as well as necessary nonsense words, rhymes, and songs, which enforce phonemic awareness.

Parents can strive to help their children to become motivated readers through practicing each of these concepts and by nurturing their children through daily activities, games, and even reading award programs. Such programs are offered locally through most libraries (i.e. summer book contests) and schools, or nationally through publishers, or supplemental educational service providers.

When all these components are used in conjunction, in a healthy learning environment, virtually any child can be inspired to become a happy and motivated reader.

* Nationmaster.com http://www.snerfycat.com/
M Fish is the premier children's author and picture book illustrator for Children's Classic Book Publishers. He is an avid educator, children's entertainer, and certified Kumon math & reading instructor. M Fish's latest children's book release is Snerfy Cat Meets Prancy Finch. In the new children's picture book, Snerfy Cat Meets Prancy Finch , a pretty kitty, named Snerfy Cat, flicks his tail as he seeks a little birdy to fill his tummy so it "does not go Ba-Rump anymore." As fate has it, on this lucky day he finds just such a morsel, a sweet little finch named Prancy. In this fun and surprising little tale, Prancy gives Snerfy much more than he could have ever expected. Prancy does not fill Snerfy's tummy, "but his whole heart instead!" Readers alike agree that it is, "...a bright, lovely, and positive hard-back picture story book, which all children are sure to love and adore. It truly is a modern day classic among the world of children's literature." The 84-page hardback, picture storybook is now available at http://www.snerfycat.com/

Dyslexic Child Home Schooling

Dyslexia is a learning disability that manifests primarily as a difficulty with written language, particularly with reading and spelling. It is separate and distinct from reading difficulties resulting from other causes, such as a non-neurological deficiency with vision or hearing, or from poor or inadequate reading instruction.

Home Schooling the Dyslexic Child
By L Lee

While home schooling a dyslexic child has no shortage of challenges, your task of teaching your dyslexic child at home can become easier and more rewarding with the right tools.



Photo: sg.88db.com

Sure, you'll still have your share of setbacks, but it's so rewarding when you finally see those little breakthroughs suddenly develop into major a progression in your child's comprehension.

First of all, just what is Dyslexia? According to Answers.com, Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by problems in reading, spelling, writing, speaking, or listening. In many cases, dyslexia appears to be inherited.

Dyslexic children seem to have trouble learning early reading skills, problems hearing individual sounds in words, analyzing whole words in parts, and blending sounds into words. Letters such as "d" and "b" may be confused.

Often, a person with dyslexia has a problem translating language into thought (such as in listening or reading), or translating thought into language (such as in writing or speaking).

If you are just starting to teach your dyslexic child, you must remember one thing. Your child is not retarded. His brain is just wired a little differently. Many famous people like Edison, Einstein and Churchill were all dyslexics. It is not a death sentence. People with dyslexia can live rewarding, productive lives.

Being dyslexic does mean that your child will have to work harder than his peers to learn basic language skills. You may have noticed problems with his speech at a young age. This is typical.

Also many dyslexics often have trouble concentrating, especially when they have no interest in the subject. They tend to learn better with hands-on (kinesthetic) methods. Games that teach language skills are quite helpful.

Within academic circles there is much discussion about what is the best way to teach a dyslexic. Some say to use phonics while others promote the whole language method. I’m going to tell you to do both. Hit it from all angles. Find out what works best with your child. Every child is different.

There are many programs that may be beneficial. These include Sequential Spelling, Spell to Read and Write, or All About Spelling. Sequential Spelling teaches spelling patterns and builds on those patterns.

Spell to Write and Read teaches all the phonograms first, then combining phonograms (letters or groups of letters associated with a sound) to build words. All About Spelling also begins with the phonograms and then moves on to syllables then words. All of these programs are reasonably priced.

Barten, Wilson and ABC Reading are also good and are all based on the Orten-Gillingham approach. This method is language-based, multisensory, sequential, systematic and has produced good results.

The Orten-Gillingham method starts by having the student read and write the basic letter sounds. The student learns short vowel sounds and consonant sounds. Simple words are learned first.

Once the easy C-A-T type words are learned, then they move on to long vowels, diphthongs (vowels that make two gliding speech sounds which are usually interpreted as one, ex. Oi,oy), digraphs ( two vowels that make one sound ) and blends. Spelling is learned right along with reading. Review is continuous.

After the student has mastered words, then the same type of systematic approach is used for learning vocabulary, sentence structure, reading comprehension, and composition. Again, review is continuous.

While all of the above mentioned programs are good, it may be you are looking for a less expensive way of helping your child. It is not that difficult but you must be willing to devote a lot of time to your child.

First you get a listing of the basic phonemes of the English language (in Noah Webster’s Reading/Spelling Handbook, for example). Phonemes are basic units of sound (ex. B,t,ph,th,s,a,i) that are capable of conveying a distinction in meaning.

You will also need some cards or tiles with letters on them. Using the handbook as your guide, teach your child the long and short vowels, consonants, blends, diphthongs and digraphs.

Start with the short vowel words. Play games with the letters. For example, make the word “tap”. Have your child read and spell the word. Then tell him to reverse the letters and ask him what word he has made. “Pat”. Have him make different words by changing a vowel or consonant.

Once he has mastered the short vowel words move on to the long vowel words. This kind of exercise will help your child understand the patterns in the English language.

Not all dyslexic children are the same. Some are effected by this problem only mildly, some moderately and some severely. The severity of your child’s problem, his age and past educational history all factor in when deciding how to help your child.

So don’t let those bumps in the road discourage you. It's kind of a cliche', but two steps forward, one step back is still progress. With all the helps that are available nowadays, your task of teaching your dyslexic child at home has become less daunting and more rewarding.

Lisa Lee is a home schooling mom and co-owner of http://www.besthomeedtoys.com/ specializing in educational toys, games and learning products, with an emphasis on the home schooling family.

Reading's Key Ingredient

Phonics - Reading's Key Ingredient
By Kevin Broadwater

Phonics is the key ingredient in the reading recipe. Phonics is as important to reading as cheese is to a grilled cheese sandwich. Have you ever had a grilled cheese sandwich without the cheese? I had one when I was a kid. When you bite into the sandwich you can tell it is lacking a little something or more like a lot of something.



Photo: seriouseats.com

Leaving phonics out of the reading recipe is like leaving the cheese out of a grilled cheese sandwich. You can still eat the sandwich even without the cheese. Likewise, you can still learn to read even without incorporating phonics. However, a grilled cheese sandwich that includes the cheese is going to be much more complete, enjoyable, and filling than a grilled cheese sandwich without the cheese. In a similar manner, a child that is taught phonics is going to have more success with reading than a child that is not taught phonics.

Phonics is a system that teaches children to associate specific sounds with specific letters or combinations of letters. Words are composed of a single sound or some combination of sounds. Recognizing letter patterns and associating the appropriate sounds allows a child to sound out complete words. This of course includes words that the child has never seen before. Without knowing phonics, that same student would be unable to sound out any new word that appears in the text.

A number of years ago, I took a course called Cognitive Science as an elective in the Computer Science curriculum at the local university. Cognitive Science is basically the study of how the mind works. Understanding how young minds develop is very important to the study of Cognitive Science. Therefore, my professor was often sharing information with the class regarding how babies, infants, and children obtain knowledge. I enjoyed the class very much and learned many fascinating things including the effectiveness and importance of children learning phonics.

Since that time, I have made observations that have confirmed for me how important phonics is to helping children become successful readers. Parents have more opportunities than ever to obtain phonics learning systems that their kids can use at home. These systems include various combinations of printed media, audio media, video media, and software. Parents can purchase one of these kits to give children a head start before starting school, to supplement what the child is learning in school, or both.

If you are a parent or some other important person in the life of a child, don't forget the cheese on the sandwich and please don't forget the phonics.

Kevin Broadwater is the founder of Calculator Hut Company, a developer of educational software. Download free educational software at http://www.calculatorhut.com/ today.

Homeschooling in America

Homeschooling in America
By Vicki Bennett

I began homeschooling in 2003. My reason was simple. I did not like the environment my children would be learning in. I never had any past experience teaching, so I was a bit apprehensive. I began by doing research. I wanted to find a program that I thought would benefit my children and also not bore them. I also did research on homeschooling in the USA. I wanted to see for myself how many children were being homeschooled in this country and how they stood next to public and privately schooled children.



Photo: nytimes.com

I found that according to NCES(National Center for Education Statistics) in 2003 an estimated 1.1 million students were being homeschooled in the United States. This amounted to 2.2 percent of U.S. students, ages 5 thru 17, with a grade equivalent of kindergarten thru 12.

Parents gave a variety of reasons for homeschooling. These reasons included being able to give their child a better education at home, for religious reasons, and because of poor learning environment at public schools. Also, according to research done by NCHE(National Center for Home Education), the average 8th grader who is homeschooled performs four grade levels above the natonal average. One in four homeschool students(24.5%) are enrolled one or more grades above age level. Students who have been homeschooled their entire lives have the highest scholastic achievement.

A good article on homeshooling was done by a staff reporter, Daniel Golden, for "The Wall Street Journal Atlanta". This was on the front page in the February 11, 2000 edition. Read it. Especially if you are a little apprehensive about teaching. I have found that it is not as hard as it sounds. It is actually fun and rewarding.

My name is Vicki Bennett. I am a full time wife and mother. I homeschool my children. I enjoy reading and writing short-stories in my spare time. I also enjoy cooking, singing, and gardening. If you want to read information on an average family homeschool and their day to day routine go to http://www.writingup.com/blog/vicki-bennett.

Homeschool Benefit

The Benefits of Homeschooling
By Heather Brunson

Making the Decision to Learn from Home.

Although it has been a predominant form of education throughout history, many people consider homeschooling to be a new concept. They might be surprised to learn that our Founding Fathers were educated at home. A homeschool once only included the idea of parents assuming the responsibility of educating their own children. Today, the modern homeschool has evolved to include the use of computers and other technically-advanced equipment that simulate the real classroom in a household setting. Online homeschools cater to the needs of elementary, junior high and high school students.


Photo: momisteaching.com

Benefits of Homeschooling

1. Low Teacher-to-Student Ratio - With anywhere from 15 to 35 students in a class, teachers in a traditional classroom have limited time to give students one-on-one attention. When students are homeschooled, they have a greater chance of getting the individualized attention they need. Teachers can focus on one student at a time.
   
2. Instant Feedback - When students participate in a homeschooling program, they can get immediate feedback regarding their assignments, quizzes and exams. Likewise, they can let their teachers know if they do not understand a concept or need extra help. There is two-way communication.
   
3. Customized Curriculum - Homeschooling allows students to get an education that is tailored to their needs. For those students requiring extra help or needing additional challenges, they can participate in a homeschool curriculum that focuses on specific areas. A customized curriculum also enables them to set their own pace. They can navigate a lesson as slow or quick as they choose.
   
4. Less Distractions - Homeschooling programs enable students to solely focus on the task at hand. They can pay 100% attention to their studies, without any worries, social distractions or pressures of a regular school setting. When students learn at home, they can also schedule their classes to suit their schedule.
   
5. Time Management - At home, students can sit down and get right to work. There is no wait time before they can read a lesson or start an exercise. They are no longer bound by a school schedule as a teacher performs role call, attends to another student or handles a discipline problem.
   
6. More Flexibility - Learning in a home environment enables students to have greater flexibility than in a traditional classroom. They can set their own schedule. If they want to study or take their tests at night, they have the freedom to do so. Families can take a vacation in the middle of the week, or use their kitchen for a chemistry lesson. The possibilities are endless!

Homeschooling provides people with an option to traditional educational methods. Whether students are homeschooled by their parents or take homeschooling online, they can be in charge of their education and make decisions about what is best for them. They have the freedom to create an education that is customized to their needs. It provides them with choices.

For information on high school homeschooling or additional homeschool resources, please visit http://www.alliedhighschool.com/curric.shtml
Heather Brunson is copywriter and editor for Allied Business Schools.

Considering Homeschooling

Are You Considering Homeschooling?
By Pamela Connolly

Homeschooling is becoming a popular alternative to the deteriorating public government schools.
Raymond Moore, president of the Hewitt Research Center estimates that 1/4 to 1/2 million children are being homeschooled today and predicts that this number will grow to 1 million in the near future.



Photo: annebasso.googlepages.com

In the past, only hippies, religious fanatics and anti-social sects homeschooled their children. Today homeschooling crosses all demographics, income levels, age levels, and religious beliefs. These parents all have one common thread: they feel that they can educate their children better than the government.

The purpose of home schooling is to give the child the best education possible and create a successful learning environment for your child. Home schooling is a lot more than doing "school work" at home. It takes research, planning, a knowledge of your child's abilities and interests, and a desire to instill in them an insatiable desire for knowledge.

The decision to homeschool should not be taken lightly. It takes time, focus, and commitment of the whole homeschooling family. It requires total commitment to your child's education.
The primary reasons for homeschooling are security, morality and quality of education.

• Safety: When you look at public schools, very few cues convey that they are a place of education. Commonly they are surrounded by barbed wire fences, have police on campus, metal detectors at the entrance, “lock-down” drills, and tolerate unchecked intimidation by out-of-control kids represented by gangs and antisocial thugs.
• Morality: Homeschooling parents can structure and teach subjects that are in line with their own morals, values and tradition. They are able to model desirable behavior and correct undesirable behavior on a continual basis.
• Quality: The primary goal is to create an environment that is flexible enough to adjust to the natural ebb and flow of learning for the particular child. The flexibility of the curriculum can promote and encourage an intrinsic love of learning. The parents are not just lectures. They expand, explain, and encourage their children to be inquisitive and explore areas that interest them. Learning never stops in the homeschooling environment.

You only have to examine the quality of the curriculum along with the politically correct environment to see why the public schools are failing on every level.

Homeschooling is a great option today where public education is far from ideal. Prospective homeschooling parents have to consider how important their children's education is and how much they are willing to sacrifice.

Pam Connolly is a professional educator with the San Diego School District. She has been teaching kids how to type for over 11 years. To teach your child typing, visit http://www.1stoplearntotype.com/

Vocabulary software

For learning English, the important is vocabulary. I would like to suggest a vocabulary builder software for general words till testing words. The words from this vocabulary software can help you understand SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT before you go to exam.



Each word also show the meaning, phonetic symbol and pronunciation. For more information about vocabulary builder please visit vocaboly.com.