Reading helps build a foundation for a child's complete education. Building reading skills at a young age can be a challenge, but there are some key components to look for when books that can help a student learn to read. Once you know what to look for, you can focus on those components and help your child through the reading process.
1. Memory
A learning-to-read book often includes short and simple sentences. The key goal with the sentences is based on repetition and memory. When you use those books each night, your child will build their reading skills by memorizing parts of a book. Once they have a book memorized, you can point out each word as the child reads.
Over time, a child will connect the memory to the specific words and eventually recognize those words in other forms of literature. Each week, you can select a new book on learning to read and focus on the memory aspects. The vocabulary will naturally build until a child has mastered specific words.
2. Key Words
Some words in the English language are used a lot more than others. As you read a ready to learn book, you will find keywords that a child can master. Some of the keywords include "the," "I," and "can." A child will also pick up on common pronouns like "he," "she," and "they."
You will notice the books you read use those words a lot, and the end goal is to help a child master those words early on so they can focus on reading other words in the future. Some books may specifically focus on one word, giving you an opportunity to help them master the word quickly.
3. Focus On Letters
Before words can be fully read and understood, a child needs to focus on mastering letter recognition for both capital and lower-case letters. For example, a learning book may focus on the letter "B" and use a lot of "B" words. Not only will a child learn how to recognize the letter, but to sound out letters in different ways.
With a focus on specific letters, you can harness their skills and develop an extensive vocabulary. Each week, you can master a new letter and slowly build on those skills as a child learns how to sound out words.
Every child is different, but focusing on specific components can go a long way in building a confident reader.