When are children given reading books?
During the first weeks we are focused on teaching children to break the “code” associated with reading (boys love it when you talk about “code breaking”). In the first eight to ten weeks we teach letter sounds, blending technique and the segmentation of words. We also teach irregular works that we refer to as “tricky”. Some teachers and parents find it hard not to give out reading books because this is a normal expectation in our culture. Unfortunately this does little for the child if they are unable to “break the code” of reading. By delaying this process and concentrating on letter sounds, blending and segmenting techniques, we actually produce higher reading abilities in a shorter time frame. Once children understand how the code works, they gain in confidence and enjoy reading as an activity so much more.
