Three Ways to Read! Really?

Yes, for young children there are three ways to read.  Maybe even more!  Each way of reading builds upon the one before and evolves as the child learns more about books.  It is a fun process to watch.

The first way a child reads is to hold a book and make up a story.  By looking at the pictures and what is going on, the child 'tells' the story he or she thinks is going on.  It may sound something like the actual story or may be completely different.  Many times the child brings his or her background experiences into the story telling.  We call this way of reading "reading the pictures."

The second way a child may read is to approximate the story.   This occurs after a story has been read multiple times.  Yes, even to the point of memorization.  The child has heard the story so many times and chimed in, that he or she has the 'gist' of the storyline.  The high points of the story are included, as well as the child's favorite parts.  It is an approximation of the story.

The third way is to read the actual words on the pages.  Of course this is our ultimate goal; however the first two ways lead to the third.  When a child is given the opportunity to read the first two ways, the third way comes easily.

Whichever way your child is reading right now,  it is important for your child to see himself or herself as a reader.  Say things like, What a super reader you are.  Wow, you really read that book.   I like the way you read.  This encouragement builds reading confidence.