Learning in Different ways

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Learning the purpose of texts

The tamariki are learning about reading and writing in authentic and meaningful settings. Here they are using the zoo sign to identify the animals because they know that the sign contains messages. Jahrome also consults his book using pictures to help him understand the words he can not yet read. Pictures and symbols are important to assisting the task of learning to read because they give hints as to what the message or 'story' is about.

Every little experience like this one puts in place another building block to form a solid foundation to learn to read and write within the structure of school settings.

Writing

Many of our children can write their names. This is great to take to school because it gives a starting point for the teachers to work from. Children go through stages of writing development to get to this point.

They begin the writing process by doing what we would describe as scribbles. This is an important stage in writing development because it shows that the child is aware that symbols and 'writing' contain messages that communicate ideas.

Pencil Grip Tip

If your child is not holding a pencil correctly you can get triangular pencil grips from 'Warehouse Stationery' that fit over the bottom section of the pencil where your child holds it. This grip will force your child to hold the pencil correctly. A correct pencil hold is important to being able to form letters correctly.

Mothers are important to successful reading

Now Dads don't be offended by what I am about to tell you because you may well be, and hopefully you are, exceptions to the rule.

Apparently, according to research, as recalled by David Spraggs, a presenter on 'Boys Learning, mothers play a very important role in supporting the establishment of early reading behaviours. This includes modelling positive attitudes towards reading that increase the likelihood of successful reading habits.

The main reason for this is that mothers are usually the people who read most frequently to their children and who children see using reading and writing in everyday settings.Mothers are most likely to assist with homework and hear their young school age children reading books brought home from school.

Let children also see you reading for enjoyment during your leisure time as this shows them a positive aspect of recreational reading.Its hard in a busy household to find time but I know when I was reading a book in the holidays and told my four year old,'I can't read to you at the moment, I'm reading my own book and I just need to know what happens first,' the look was priceless!

First it was indignant (how dare I not drop everything immediately for her), then it was surprise (wow you love reading and want to know the details too, mum?) and finally the look of hunger (I want to get a piece of that too!). She snuggled beside me and started asking about the book. I told her and answered all her questions until we hit a snag...I didn't know the answer to a question. She looked very disappointed and told me, 'Hurry up and read Mum, so I know!' Needless to say I was left in peace for a few minutes longer and was later able to share details of the story which we both ended up enjoying! I think my next book might be night time 'after the kids are asleep' reading though so I'm not hounded with questions. LOL!

Remember the good job you are doing parents each time you read to and with your children. You DO make a difference. Well done and keep up the great role modelling!
Jo

"You are your child's Cheer Leaders"

What a delightful way to express how parents can support their children's learning and self esteem! I heard this uttered by a primary school teacher with regards to supporting your new entrant as they start to read school readers.

It was good advice and reminds all of us who are parents, that our children need our support and encouragement as they learn. Give them lots of positive affirmations (the cheers!) about what they CAN and ARE doing well not negative feedback about what they can't yet do.

She added, "Let the teacher be the coach while you cheer from the side lines".

I couldn't agree more because if anyone has the credentials to cheer the best and loudest for your child its got to be you don't you think? Well I know from my own experiences on the sidelines of the soccer field that I have the loudest voice when my child has the ball! LOL!

Jo

Past Literacy and Numeracy Newsletters for your reference