Teaching Toddlers Phonics
Interested in Teaching Toddlers Phonics? 5 Tips for Getting It Right.
by Mary Follin
For moms and dads who are teaching toddlers phonics, more power to you! Phonics is the easiest way to teach such a small child to read.
That said, working with a toddler requires special considerations that may not apply to older children. Before you even start teaching your toddler phonics, you’ll want to observe your child for signs of readiness.
If you’ve been reading to your child since before birth, you may have recently noticed your child has become curious about the symbols that go with the pictures. Maybe your child ‘pretends’ to read, or they’re more interested in doing what you’re doing—actually reading the book.
Perhaps your child has a natural talent for language and has begun reciting books to you by heart, doing a great imitation of a person who can actually read.
If so, pay attention to these signs of reading readiness:
- Your child begins to associate the printed words with the story. Simply put, she’s become aware you’re actually getting information from the symbols on the page.
- You notice your child has a degree of phonological awareness: making up rhymes, isolating sounds, and the ability to ‘tap out’ syllables.
- He’s interested! When your child asks you to teach him to read, he will most likely be a motivated learner.
One caveat: try to resist teaching your child to read until they’re three years old. Before the age of three, your child is busy absorbing the world in a less structured way, which is important for developing early learning skills. Plus, a child’s vision may not be mature enough to decipher a series of letters, so the entire exercise could be one of frustration.
So if your child is three years old and showing signs of readiness, go for it! But please keep the following 5 TIPS for teaching toddlers phonics in mind when working with your little one.
5 Tips for Teaching Toddlers Phonics
1) Timing
The best age to start teaching toddlers phonics is when you and your child are ready to begin. If you’re having fun teaching and your child is having fun learning, then you have chosen the perfect time. If you sense your child needs a break, skip a few days, then reintroduce your lessons for a fresh start. And if it means putting your materials away for awhile, that’s OK, too. There are no deadlines.
2) Pacing
While some three-year-olds zip right through the program, some don’t. Let your child set the pace. There is no rule that says your child must be reading by age four, so if the lessons aren’t working for your child, put them away. Give it a year or so for a fresh start, and reintroduce the program when your child’s is more engaged. As long as you let your child set the pace, you will find him or her to be a happy, eager pupil.
3) Environment
Make your reading lessons cozy! Snuggle in a comfy chair, or cuddle up right before bedtime. Invite Pooh Bear and Piglet to join the party. The more you surround your lessons with ‘positive vibes,’ the more your child will associate reading with fun. (We can help you have fun & teach your child to read.)
Try 4) Un-Lessons
Refrain from ‘testing’ your child in any way. In fact, you may want to call your time together “playing with letters” instead of “learning to read.” Lessons may need to be repeated more often than with an older child, so don’t focus on progress—just the process. This simple teach-to-read-online program is ideal for teaching toddlers phonics—fun for your kids and easy to use.
5) Boasting
Please, please, please don’t ask your toddler to show off his or her newly-learned skills! The rewards for reading are intrinsic, and we don’t want your child to confuse these new skills with external recognition. What WILL happen is that once your child learns to read, people will notice. But let that be a natural outcome rather than a forced one.
The bottom line is, if you’re teaching toddlers phonics, you have plenty of time. No pressure, no hurry. Enjoy it! When you’re willing to let your child set the pace, reading will come easily and naturally for your child.
Learn about the difference between sight reading vs phonics,
Questions People Ask About Teaching Toddlers to Read
- When should I start teaching my toddler to read?
Introduce reading activities when your toddler shows interest, usually around 2 to 3 years old. Focus on creating a positive and enjoyable reading environment.
- What are effective methods for teaching toddlers to read?
Use interactive methods like storytelling, pointing to words, and incorporating rhymes. Make it a multisensory experience to engage your toddler’s curiosity.
- What are the best books or reading materials for toddlers?
Choose colorful and interactive board books with simple stories, repetitive patterns, and vibrant illustrations. Look for books that align with your toddler’s interests and daily experiences.
- How can I make learning to read fun for my toddler?
Infuse joy into reading by making it interactive—ask questions, use funny voices, and encourage participation. Incorporate games, activities, and visits to the library to make the learning process enjoyable.
- Are there any signs that my toddler is ready to start reading?
Signs of readiness include an interest in books, recognizing familiar words or letters, and showing curiosity about printed materials. If your toddler enjoys listening to stories and mimics reading behavior, they may be ready for early reading activities
Photo Credits: Unsplash, Pexels
Teach Your Child to Read is a gentle, nurturing approach for teaching toddlers phonics.
Try it FREE for 7 days!
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Founder and creator Mary Follin started her career as a systems engineer with IBM. In that capacity, she wrote software manuals to help make complex systems easy to understand and use. Over the course of her career, she has worked in product development, product innovation, market research, and marketing consulting. Beyond creating Teach Your Child to Read, she is also the author of Ethyr, winner of the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award and the Gertrude Warner Book Award, and a regular contributor to DailyMom.com on the subject of children’s literacy.
Mary also writes, along with Erika Guerrero, a feature column in Fredericksburg Parent & Family. Titled ASK MOM, the column offers parenting advice and was recognized by the Parenting Media Association with a 2021 award.
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