It is important for kids to understand the fundamentals of reading as early as possible so they can begin learning from written language and feel confident at school. The most popular learning-how-to-read strategies used by parents are reading to their child and having their child read aloud. However, according to the National Institute of Literacy, having parents teach specific literacy skills to their children was found to be two times more effective than having parents listen while their children read aloud — and six times more effective than encouraging parents to read to their children. Reading to children and having children read to parents is strongly encouraged, but the meta-analysis concluded that providing actual instruction in specific literacy-related skills is ultimately the best method for parents to help their child learn how to read.
The curriculum design of the Word Building Block enables children to learn to read by providing parents with literacy resources that facilitate reading instruction. In Levels 7A and 6A, children develop an awareness that words have meaning by connecting text to familiar objects. To further develop phonological awareness, the worksheets are organized to keep constant the beginning sound and then the ending sound. In Level 5A, they build phonemic awareness by learning letter-sound correspondence and putting the sounds together to form three letter words. Children continue to develop pre-reading skills in Level 4A by learning consonant clusters, consonant controlled vowels, and long vowels and reading sentences with picture cues. In Level 3A, they decode words with vowel combinations and learn compound words, while reading sentences using the new vocabulary. Learning literacy skills empowers children to be able to read more advanced texts and develop their knowledge and skills related to language and comprehension through the Kumon Program.
Information provided by Kumon Math & Reading Center of Issaquah Highlands. For more information, please visit their website or call at 425-369-1072.
Past articles from Kumon:
- Encouraging Self-Learning for Academic Success
- Kumon and the Common Core
- Reading Proficiency in Third Grade
- To Have and to Hold...A Pencil
- Motivation and Enjoyment
- Activities to Make Math Fun for Children
- Summer Learning Slide
- The Kumon Reading Program & the Common Core
- How Does the Kumon Method Affect A Student’s Future?
- Fostering Perseverance and Motivation in Your Child
- Summer Activities for Math
- Start Now; Make Back to School Transition Easier
- Why Is A Strong Foundation in the Basics Essential for Students?
- 3 Tops for Back-to-School Success
- New School Year, New Routine
- Importance of STEM
- Encouraging Self-Learning for Academic Success
- The Power of Practice
