Shop by Topic
Shop by Product
ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues
<< Previous Issue
| View Past Issues | | Next Issue >> 
Teaching Babies to Read
July 6, 2009
I personally find inspiration in life’s 10,000 joys and 10,000 sorrows….Part of the artist’s temperament is that inspiration is possible in all things.
-Marc Bamuthi Joseph, poet, dancer, playwright and educator
-Marc Bamuthi Joseph, poet, dancer, playwright and educator
"Adults have all the power in children’s lives. We are their window and access to safety, comfort, and engaging experiences. Children are smart enough to know this from the time they are babies. They have laser-like attention to what we care about and they want to imitate, please, and be a part of what we say and do. If you look at cultures around the world, children learn to do what adults value and believe children can accomplish because this is what they focus on and take time to teach children to do. But with this power comes responsibility. Young children can learn about literacy if that is what we care about and focus on with eager attention in a playful, loving relationship. But we should ask ourselves: What are we and they missing when we spend so much of our time focused on literacy skills? What about the scientific discoveries and magic in a puddle of water, the complex, creative work of pretend play, the deep, spiritual connections from time together in the natural world or the adventure and sense of accomplishment in toddling up a hill? Babies can read and write, but should they?"
This week, Exchange's Out of the Box Training Kits are on sale at a 20% discount.
Each kit includes an Exchange article along with all the tools you need to run a staff training session on the topic. Among the 60+ kits are many that apply to caring for infants and toddlers... - Brain Research and Its Implications for Early Childhood Programs
- Brain Research: Bright Beginnings for Babies
- Caring for Little Ones: Using Sign Language as a Tool to Communicate
- Infants Don't Pretend Do They? And the Seeds of Dramatic Play - Enhanced by Adults
- The Power of Observation
ExchangeEveryDay
Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
What is ExchangeEveryDay?
ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
Toddler Portable Sink: Classroom Solution for HOT & COLD running water. Convenient way to clean children's hands anytime, anywhere. Mention Code: PS0308 for FREE SHIPPING
Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 CommentsMorgantown, WV, United States
Even with I agreed with this approach to learning, which I don't, these systems are teaching children how to sight read which is exactly what we don't want. Yes, they are sounding out the words and highlight the words being read, but this still is not the best way to teach the process of reading. Children learn best from interactive learning with teachers, parents and peers. As an early childhood educator, I do not recommend these types of learning styles.
4Cof the UP
Escanaba, MI, United States
I applaud you on your statement. What matters with baby is the loving, nurturing relationships, that's their curriculum. With the push down theory of wanting children to know more at an early age benefits whom? We know that "best practices" with age appropriate philosophy is truly the best practice for young children. Thank you for standing up for our infants.
The Little School
Santee, CA, United States
When asked by well meaning but under-educated parents about teaching babies to read, I just ask why they want them to? No one has ever had a real answer. Do they want the child to start college at 12?
I wish parents would teach themselves about child development and appropriate practice instead
New Mexico State Univ.
Las Cruces, NM, United States
Well said and I couldn't agree more! There are so many things that are more important for a people to learn as babies - things like creating loving relationships and just general wonder and enjoyment in the world. There is plenty of time for reading and writing later. Spend those first years cuddling, singing, and reading to them. They grow up so fast. Before you know it they'll be reading to you. Enjoy babyhood while it lasts.
Post a Comment