Learning to read takes place at the age of 6 with entry into the CP class. However, you can introduce your child to reading at home from an early age. Several methods exist for learning to read, even if the syllabic method is that which the Ministry of National Education recommends to teachers.
It is during the preparatory school year (CP) that children learn to read and write and must acquire fluent reading. Learning that has obviously been prepared upstream in kindergarten. As parents, you also have a role to play in this learning by helping your child to practice after school but also by introducing him to reading from an early age. “Your child will have to read the reading lessons discussed in class every evening. The regular repetition of these lessons and the daily training in writing help to permanently fix the learning. They promote the development of automatic mechanisms allowing your child to read and write better and faster and faster", Said the Ministry of National Education on its site.
The different methods for learning to read
The syllabic method
It is the oldest method. It consists in associating the letters with a sound. The child first learns the alphabet. He is then asked to decipher the sound produced by two associated letters, the syllable, then to pronounce the syllables put end to end to form words. Namely, reading the syllables is a job that the child has already started in kindergarten. This method is rather long but once assimilated, it allows the child to decipher any word. The syllabic method is the one recommended to teachers by the Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer. He makes reference to it in a 130-page guide dedicated to learning to read at CP.
Which books to learn to read with the syllabic method?
My method of syllabic reading, by Clémentine and Jean Delile, Hatier editions, € 7.50
Syllabics – From syllables to first words, by Eric Battut, Nathan editions, € 5
The global method
Sometimes criticized, the global method is opposed to the syllabic method because it starts from the complete word to arrive at the syllable. The child first begins by visually memorizing the words (their spelling) that they often pronounce, as if they were photographing them. For example, he will be able to read the word “mom” without knowing how to break it down into a syllable and therefore without knowing the letters that compose it. Each word is associated with a global picture in the child's head. The first limitation of this method is that the child is unable to read new words, words that he has never spoken. He can only read the words he has memorized because he can recognize them. In this method, the learning of the alphabet is done gradually: by dint of learning complete words, the child understands that certain associations of letters form sounds. This is where the study of syllables begins. The global method insists more on the meaning of words compared to the syllabic method.
The mixed or semi-global method
As the name suggests, this method is a mixture of the previous two. The child first begins by memorizing a certain number of words. These are generally words that he uses often and which therefore have a meaning for him like dad, mom, the days of the week, the names of his relatives, etc. At the same time, he learns the alphabet and works on the syllables so that he can eventually decipher all the words. This method, which is shorter than the syllabic method, motivates the child to continue learning because he starts by knowing how to read a few words (those learned by heart). But bringing a little of the syllabic method allows the child to learn to understand new words.
The Montessori reading method
It is also called a phonological method because the child must first associate sounds with letters appearing on images. Learning therefore begins with the study of sounds and can begin at the age of 3 years. When the child hears a sound, he associates it with a spelling. This is why, at the beginning he writes the words as he hears them, it is a phonetic writing. The child not knowing how to write at 3 years old, he uses cards on which letters are written, to form the words he hears. By dint of associating sounds with letters, the child knows how to form words himself and then read them.
Which books / tools to learn to read with the Montessori method?
My first Montessori reading book, by Marie Kirchner, Nathan editions, € 10.90
My Montessori workshops notebooks special reading and writing, by Sandrine Duchesne, Larousse editions, € 7.95
The wheel of sounds, Nathan editions, € 10.69
Which method to choose?
The choice of method depends on the child. At school, unfortunately, he will have no choice (the syllabic method is the most widespread but some schools offer the other methods). At home, if the child is in demand from an early age, do not hesitate to accompany him in this learning and to devote moments to reading. On the other hand, if your child is reluctant to work on reading after school, suggest fun activities related to this activity to learn while having fun.
As for the choice of method, each child is different. For applied, school and patient children, the syllabic method may be the first choice. The overall method seems to work best in children who need to visualize to memorize. The Montessori method can be a good starting point to introduce toddlers to reading.
Some practical tips to facilitate learning to read at home
Learning to read is a more or less long process depending on the children. Teachers do not have a monopoly on learning to read. At home, you too can initiate, encourage and train your offspring in this activity:
- Make it a habit to read her stories from a very young age. It’s already a good way to arouse his curiosity and make him want to read later. Establish a little “reading” ritual every night before bedtime, preferably with real books (and not on a tablet or smartphone). When he wants to manipulate books, let him do it so that he becomes familiar with letters, images, turning pages to progress in history.
- When he's old enough to understand a story you read to him, ask him questions about what you just read to him to get involved in history.
- Set an example! The more your child sees you reading (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.), the more likely you are to arouse his curiosity for this activity. We know that children like to reproduce what adults do.
- Limit screens at home. Television, tablet and smartphone have mesmerizing power. They don't make the brain work like reading does, which promotes connections between neurons and develops the imagination of children (and adults!). If you confiscate his screens, he will more easily turn to other activities such as games, reading, creative hobbies …
- be patient. Each child goes at his own pace. Going step by step while praising him when he progresses helps not to discourage him.
- Put into practice what he learned at school as soon as you can. Children like to do it without being asked, but if you go for a walk or go shopping, ask him if he can decipher a text or letter in front of him (food packaging, billboards by car, magazines from the newsstand…).
- Make him write and read his first name, then the first names of the other family members. Children usually start there to learn letters and syllables. The child memorizes the letters and will be able to recognize them when he sees them in other words.
- Don't spend hours on reading. Better to look at it a few minutes a day than hours once a week. Regular, brief and fun practice promotes the success of learning to read.
- First readings at home should be fun. Choose books on topics he / she likes.
Sources:
– Learning to read and write at the CP, Ministry of National Education and Youth.
– A reference guide and four recommendations for the mastery of fundamental knowledge in primary school, education.gouv.fr.
Also read on aufeminin
The Abacus method or how to make mental calculation easy and fun
Teacher's Tips and Tricks for Classing at Home
Successfully enter CP
5 books for children who are new to reading