IS YOUR CHILD READY FOR READING?
Every child is different, so there is no specific age when your child will be ready for reading. Instead, look for signs and signals that may indicate reading readiness. Because young children learn so much at a very rapid rate, you may not even be fully aware of how much they already know. Some children grasp reading concepts and are able to sound out simple words as early as age 3; others may not start until age 5 or 6. Learning to read is very much a process; as your child’s first and most important teacher, he or she will need your patience, as well as your encouragement, every step of the way.
What should I look for?
As an involved parent, you have most likely been looking at alphabet books together or have magnetic letters on the fridge. Answers to the questions below can help determine where your child is in terms of reading readiness:
- Does your child know the alphabet?
- Can she or he recognize most of the letters (including both uppercase and lowercase letters?)
- Can your child recognize letters on everyday objects such as S T O P on a stop sign?
- Does your child know that letters are associated with sounds and can he or she demonstrate a fair number of those sounds?
- Can your child spell his or her own name?
Is your answer ‘yes’ to most of these questions, your child is ready for Bob Books starting with Bob Books Set 1 • Beginning Readers.
The Bob Books sets are designed to be intuitive for parents and kids. If you feel you want more information about how to walk your child through the first steps of reading, the Bob Books Listen & Read series uses descriptive teaching language throughout that is very appropriate for emergent readers. Some parents appreciate having these pointers for themselves; others like to give their child the CD while they are occupied with other tasks.
Once you have spent time reading with your child, it should be clear to you if this is the right time for Bob Books. If your child is interested, pays attention, interacts with the book, and seems to have an idea of what you mean, then you are on your way to reading. If your child is wiggly, disruptive or sad, they may not be ready. Put the books away for a few months and try again later. Children learn at different rates. It is important to find your child’s rate, rather than your own, if you want your child to have a happy reading experience.
What if my child isn’t ready?
Before reading, children need the foundation skills for reading: learning shapes, recognizing patterns, sorting and learning how to anticipate sequences of events. Strengthening these key building-block skills will make your child’s steps into reading easier and more enjoyable. My First Bob Books™ were specifically designed to enhance your child’s first reading discoveries. Whereas Sets 1-5 are intended for your child to read to you, the My First Bob Books series explores language patterns, symbols, letters and sequencing through delightful stories that you read to your child, teaching concepts that lay an important foundation for early learning and reading success. My First Bob Books are appropriate for children of all ages, especially toddlers and young preschool-age children who are just beginning to understand shapes, letters and sounds. Parent guides offer additional activities, games and tips designed to support new concepts and empower your emerging readers.
