The Reading Readiness Concept

Hello, if you’ve landed on this page then I am guessing that you are looking to get a bit more insight into the system of thought behind reading readiness concept in relation to the Hooked on Phonics Learn To Read Program.

What is Reading Readiness?

To start things off it is necessary to define what reading readiness is. According to the official definition of the concept, it is a point at which a person is ready to start learning how to read. In other words, it is the phase during which a non-reader transitions into a reader.

How is it Acquired?

Contrary to what some people may think, babies actually start to work on their pre-reading skills starting from birth as they listen to what is being said around them. While they cannot really distinguish meanings yet, they can make out sounds and associate certain emotions to them. In order for a child to learn how to read, they first need some type of a grasp on the oral aspect of the language. However, it is theorized by the Ontario Government (2003) that while acquiring knowledge of the oral language comes naturally, reading is something that must be taught.

How to Develop Reading Readiness in your Child

It has been observed that children who were more exposed to literacy-related activities from a young age were much more successful when learning how to read. It is recommended that you engage in pre-reading developmental activities, which basically means that you will have to work the oral aspect of the language with your child, such as reading them children’s stories for example. What your child will learn during these critical early stages will serve as the foundation for all the knowledge they will absorb from that point on.

Before you start teaching your child you must remember that reading readiness is something arbitrary, meaning that different children will require different approaches. It may take you some time before you find a method that will produce good results. A child always learns better with someone more skilled guiding them through the learning process, whether it’s a parent or a more capable child.

How does the Hooked on Phonics System Integrate this Concept into their Program?

Well, the Hooked on Phonics Learn To Read Program actually has pre-kindergarten levels that are based on the concept of reading being a skill that is best learnt through coherent and skill-based instructions. Naturally, these levels are meant to give your child a better understanding of the oral as well as the written language before he or she goes off into kindergarten.

In order to help children attain reading readiness they provide a variety of learning materials including workbooks, flash cards, education online games and DVDs as well as step-by-step instructions that come along.

If you would like to learn more about the Hooke on Phonics system itself, then check out my Hooked on Phonics Review.