Did you teach your child to write before reading or reading before writing? Reading before writing means your child just memorized the letters rather than understanding the letters. Wondering why? We will talk about that today.
Honestly, I didn't know that the concept of writing before reading is from the Montessori approach since we're doing a mix of different approaches and methods that fit our lifestyle as we're an eclectric homeschooler.
Zoe showed good signs of pincher grasp as early as 7-8 months. That's why at 8 months old, she can hold the crayons and pencils properly. We did lots of activities for pincher grasp too for writing skills. Zoe loves arts so much and doodles anything up until now at 4 years old. She started tracing letters and words at 1 year old. At 3 years old she can already write her full name all by herself. Oh, and I must say she got nice penmanship too. Now at 4 years old, she can read sentences already and good at spelling as well.
Watch a glimpse of our reading time.
3 reasons why is it important to teach writing before reading.
1. Understanding Vs Memorizing
Maria Montessori believed that understanding should come before memorization. That's why we begin with the sound letters.
Do you believe Zoe learned the alphabet song just recently? Unlike most of the toddlers who learned the alphabet song as early as possible. Why? Because I first introduced the phonetic alphabet to her. And I don't want her to get confused. I want her to understand each letter and familiarize herself with the letters by hearing the sounds not just memorizing the letters. One letter at a time. One sound at a time. Because it's a process.
True enough understanding is more effective than memorizing. Because at 4 years old, Zoe loves doing spelling already. Every time she'll hear a new word, she will decode that, analyze, and write the spelling of the word.
2. Reading comes naturally
Honestly, I'm wondering at times why there are lots of parents who are so eager to let their child read as early as possible? Is it their ego? Or is it really for their child? You see, reading comes naturally when the child is ready. So why rush them? As they learn to write, they learn to read.
Don't worry if your child is not yet reading at 3 years old. Wait until they show interest. That will benefit you and your child. Childhood is not a race!
As for us, Zoe showed an early sign of writing. So we did lots of activities that involve pincer grasp, sensorial, and motor skills. When Zoe turned 3 years old. She can write her full name all by herself Then she started reading 3-letter words.
If you'll ask me how? Because she knows the letters, and she can write the letters that why it's easier for her to combine, blend, and eventually read the word. See, it comes naturally as long as your child is ready.
3. Love for writing and reading
One of the benefits of writing before reading that I observe in Zoe is the love for writing and reading. Every day, Zoe will draw and write anything she wants. She's engaged to learn more and pushing herself without me asking her or controlling her. A day won't pass by without her holding a pen, or pencil, or art materials, and every night she'll read on her own followed by our storytime.
I can still remember the very first day she successfully writes her full name by herself. I was in awe. The joy and pride she felt at that moment. That then sparks her confidence, self-esteem, and excitement to write more, and understand more letters and words without me rushing her. It's fascinating to see Zoe learning to write and read simultaneously.
Do you want me to talk about how Zoe learned to read? What method are we using? Or do you have any other questions? Let me know!
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Quiz: Do you know what type of learner is your child?
I hope you find this article helpful especially if you have a toddler. Remember, wait until your child is ready. To avoid frustration for you and your child. Don't forget to share this post with your family and friends who might need to read this article.
Stay safe and healthy everyone!
Love, Mommy Gen.
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