Words are NOT just a combination of letters. They are meant to convey meaning to those who are listening or reading those words.
However, it is impossible for babies and children to know what a word means simply by hearing it or seeing it written on a paper (out of context). Children rely on other people who already know the language to show them what those words represent (whether it is an action, an object, or a descriptive quality of that action or object).
For example, whenever you tell your baby “eat” while he’s eating or while you are feeding him, or when he sees you eating, your baby starts making the connection between what he hears (the sound) and what he’s doing (the meaning). This takes months, if not years to sink in. Just think about it: it takes a baby 1 to 3 years (or even longer) to go from not knowing any language at all to speaking in full sentences by the time they are toddlers.
It is a misconception that children learn to speak on their own. What people don’t realize is that WE (parents, siblings, grandparents, etc) are actually teaching them day in and day out, without even realizing it! Simply by interacting with them and showing them with our actions what those strange sounds mean.
“For a child to learn to speak, he needs to HEAR the word and UNDERSTAND the meaning of the word, at the same time”
Same thing happens with the written words. Unless you show the word “eat” written on a piece of paper, show what it means (while eating something) and say it aloud…your child will not be able to figure out what those strange symbols mean when he encounters the word “eat” on a book or a menu or anywhere else.
“For a child to learn to read, he needs to SEE the word, HEAR the word and UNDERSTAND the word, at the same time”
This is actually easier to do than you think, especially with objects. If you stick the word “door” on a door your baby sees everyday and you say it aloud every time he sees it, your baby will be able to make the instant connection between the sound, the written word and its meaning.
With actions is a bit more challenging, but not impossible! If you show them a picture of a kid eating with the word “eat” written on it and you say it aloud to them, then they can see the connection. However, you can’t just do this once and forget about it. No, language requires constant and consistent exposure to those words. Especially when they are just starting to learn the language.
It’s true that “a picture is worth a thousand words” But you know what’s even better than a picture? a video! Seeing a video of a kid eating, while at the same time seeing and hearing the word “eat” creates a better, clearer and longer lasting connection.
That’s why we created our NEW YouTube channel where the words are animated to show their meaning. Your child will be able to SEE the word, HEAR the word and UNDERSTAND the word – All at the same time!
Important: Do you know what’s even better than a picture and a video? YOU! Nothing can replace the interaction between a parent and a child, especially when it comes to learning the language. So if you want your child to learn how to read, but prefer a screen-free environment for your child, then try these other tips:
-Definitively add labels around your home so they can learn how to read the names of objects. You can find these labels at my SHOP with all the words you need to get started, such as “door,” “table,” “chair,” and lots more!
-Download these FREE Printables with the illustrated “action verbs” and make it a habit to show them to them while performing those actions. For example, keep the words “eat” and “cook” in the kitchen and show them and read the aloud to your child whenever you are eating or cooking. Or keep the word “sleep” and “read” next to their bed to show them before bedtime.
-Check out the Daily Essentials which you can incorporate into your little one’s daily routines. You can get the labeled utensils to use during breakfast, lunch and dinner, or the labeled toothbrushes while brushing their teeth!
-Another way to incorporate reading into their daily lives is through Play. Check out our NEW Vocabulary Animal Boxes, so your little one can learn to read the animal names!
-Rent or buy books that are simple with just 1 image and either 1 word or a sentence per page. Point to every word as you read! You can also download all of our FREE printable Mini Books.
-You can also give these Speech Bubbles a try. You can teach them to read things like “Good Morning!” or “I love you”
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. Don’t forget to subscribe to receive future tips and ideas and share this Post with someone who could benefit from this information. Thank you!