How To Teach a 4 Year Old to Read And Write?

It is not a case of heavy lesson and long homework teaching a 4-year-old to read and write. Children are able to learn at this age when they are safe, happy and curious. 

Many parents feel worried. They believe their child should learn to read fast or he/she will be the one left behind. Four-year-old learning is not a contest. There are those children who learn quickly to pick up letters. Some need more time. Both are completely normal. The journey will be fast and easy with the help of the proper tools such as phonics reading books, phonics books, writing books to kids, and a pattern writing book.

We shall divide it into easier and realistic steps.

Begin with Letter Sounds

Listening is the beginning of reading. Even when a child does not even know how to read words, it is absolutely necessary that they know that letters create sounds. That is why phonics comes in handy. Do not just teach that B is a bee, but demonstrate to them that B is the one that creates the sound “buh”.

Read basic phonics books which are concerned with one sound at a time. Seat beside your child and pronounce the sound. Ask them to repeat it. Make it playful. As an example, in teaching the letter S, make the sound stretch out as a snake -ssssss. Children recall better when they relate sounds with activities or entertaining concepts.

Phonics reading books are also of particular help as they contain small, straightforward words which obey rules of sound. As soon as they manage to read a small word independently, they do light their face up. A little triumph gives a great confidence.

Read More: Why Word Search Books Are the Best Screen-Free Activity

Make Reading a Daily Habit

And even when your child is not able to read on his/her own, it is important to read daily. Sit together and read aloud. Move your finger under words and make them understand how a reading can be done to the left to the right.

Select phonics reading books with large letters and clear illustrations of color. Take a break and discuss the story. Ask simple questions:

What do you think will become next?

Where is the letter m in this page?

What is the first sound in this word?

These marginal talks develop knowledge. Your child is also learning words, sentence structure, and confidence altogether.

Make reading time brief, approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It should be pleasant and cozy to read, rather than compulsory.

Hand Before Writing Letters.

Letters are not the starting point of writing. It starts with fingers control. Most of the parents are so much in a hurry to educate A, B, C, but a 4-year-old will first need to master the fine motor skills.

It is here that the pattern writing book comes in. Straight lines, curves, waves, circles, and zig zag lines are normally found as pattern writing lines. Such patterns can be seemingly simple yet they are able to train the hand to move smoothly. Later the same movements are used to shape letters properly.

Introduce Letters Gently

Once your child is able to draw simple patterns you can gradually add letter formation. Write books on instruction to the kids showing clearly how to begin and end each letter. Dotted and arrowed books are quite useful.

Teach one letter at a time. Do not confuse too many letters. One should start with small letters since they are more frequently used in most reading materials.

Sit next to your child and show him slowly. Let them watch you first. Then allow them to try. In case they go wrong, remain composed. 

Reward industry rather than cleanliness. Encourage them to keep going.

Connect Reading and Writing

Writing is a help of reading and reading. Once you have taught your child to get the sound of a, you need to teach him/her to write a in his/her notebook. Next demonstrate to them little words in phonics books that have the same sound.

Always keep the Environment Positive.

A 4-year-old learns through joy. They may be de-motivated in case learning becomes a punishment. Make little lessons children of play. Play with the alphabet magnets on the fridge. Draw letters in chalk. Sing with sounds of letters.

Hail little successes. When your child is reading one word separately in phonics reading books, you should congratulate. When they have completed a page in their pattern writing book, praise them.

Do not compare your child with the neighbours or classmates. Comparison brings about pressure. Each child develops at his/her pace.

Notice Readiness Signals

There are those that are early readers. Others need more time. Look for simple signs:

- They recognize some letters.

- They like listening to narratives.

- They are able to sit and pay short attention.

- They are holding a pencil in a comfortable way.

In case the majority of these signs are observed, you may proceed gradually with phonics books and writing books of children. Otherwise, play, storytelling and conversation should be prioritized. It has to be based on a solid foundation.

Conclusion

An instruction to a 4-year-old child on reading and writing is insidious. It is not a matter of covering a syllabus. It is concerning the cultivation of interest and trust. Begin with sounds with phonics books. Read phonics books on a regular basis. Practice hand movement using pattern writing book. Slowly mentor them with children writing books.

Be patient with mistakes. Smile often. Sit close. You need nothing to read but your voice and your presence.

Reading and writing are also parts of the daily life of your child, when learning is like love.