Four Methods of Forging Reading in Young Students

There are dozens of ways to teach a child how to read. The methods for teaching vary depending on the age of the child and often must factor learning disabilities into the equation. This article will detail four fundamental strategies for teaching reading. Although they are four separate methods, they are best utilized together.

1. The phonics approach: This method relies heavily on the student learning and mastering the alphabet. Once the student learns the letters, he will learn the sounds associated with those letters, and he eventually will learn the words and sentences that are made up of those sounds. This method works only if the instructor starts small and builds upon a base of knowledge.
2. The identify and sound out approach: Also known as the “look and say” method, this way of teaching reading asks the student to identify words or sentences as a whole instead of the sounds that make up those words and sentences. This approach works well using flashcards with both pictures and words on them.
3. The drawing story approach: Have the student draw a picture of something simple, such as a dog drinking water. As the teacher, write a sentence that describes the scene beneath it. Create an entire story this way, and then have the student tell the story.
4. The interesting material approach: This approach is important to utilize in all methods of teaching reading. Students are more likely to read books and materials that speak to their individual interests.