A child learning to read can be a novel experience both for student, teacher, and parent. But if not given the correct guidance, a student can fall by th wayside very easily and suffer greatly as the years go by. Such is the case for the “Whole Word” mantra of teaching that has been prevalent for years.
“Whole Word” techniques are such that a child memorizes the shapes of words and uses clues with pictures to help the connection along with reading the word, understanding the word, and knowing the word. The problem is this: while a child can understand a word and recognize a word, reading the word falls behind! It’s basically detective work, not reading; and as a reader, no one wants to do that.
The opposite is being done with “Whole Word” exercises; and while it’s important to understand what’s being read, ultimately what comes first in the development of a child’s ability to read is actually reading. Not understanding. Understanding comes later.
You want to know the way to help a child read?–simply give the tyke books! Books that he or she might like. Encourage reading every day. Read to your children yourself! Go to the library. Get all kinds of books–comic books, graphic novels, picture books, chapter books, whatever books. Read street signs, read poetry. Have your child read signs and poetry. Make word games out of them.
The truth is there’s no set technique for learning to read. It’s up to the child. The only thing we as a parent or teacher can do is watch them and guide them at their own pace.