Teaching a first grade reading can be a rather arduous task. The most important thing for any adult to remember when faced with the daunting task of teaching a child is that children have fragile egos. While in the first grade, a child is still in his or her formative years—meaning that brains, hormones, and even opinions are beginning to form. It is important to remain positive. Praise the child often.
Reading is a fundamental skill that is needed for almost every aspect in life.
First Grade Reading Make It a Fun Experience
If a child forms a negative opinion of the task then that can affect his or her opinion of the subject. Essentially, children respond well to an even tone, a smiling face, and a positive attitude. If they associate reading with fun and positive experiences, then they are more likely to participate in the task without prompting.
But how does a parent or teacher make first grade reading fun? First, read with the child. This does not mean reading in a monotone voice for what seems like an eternity. Instead, make it a performance. Give the child a role to read, and turn the book into a play. The child will become involved with the drama of the performance and forget that the activity of reading is often associated with school and learning. By involving the child in the activity, the event of reading becomes a shared experience. This opens up a safe environment where the child will not feel as if he or she is being reprimanded if a mistake is made.
More Ways to Teach First Grade Reading
Another fun and interesting way to introduce a first grad reading, is to give the child a bag full of words. As the child pulls out each word, have the child read the word out loud and form a story with the words given. This activity will increase word recognition as well as allow the child to express his or her creativity in a format that doesn’t feel like the stringent environment often associated with first grade reading in a school.
For kinesthetic learners who have problems sitting still while reading, an innovative way to get them moving and reading is by playing syllabic hopscotch. Simply put a regular hopscotch configuration on the ground and break up difficult words into syllables. Call out words that the child may be having problems with and watch as the child “hops” between syllables. By incorporating movement into the lesson, the student is able to better concentrate on a difficult subject, such as first grade reading, and it is a way that connects to his or her cognitive strengths.
The most effective way to begin first grade reading is to trick the child into learning. Take them away from the silent and still world that makes them think of school and the sterility of being alone. When a first grader feels as if he or she is a part of the learning process and being taught in innovative and interesting ways, then learning increases and the child begins to read simply for the fun of it.
