Happy
Thanksgiving – from the WriteReading newsletter!
Volume Three, Issue
Eleventh, November 2009
WriteReading.com
is dedicated to Words that make the future brighter!
A few minutes a day!
These newsletters have shown
how simple it can be to teach reading and writing skills using the Book of Mormon
as a guide (see previous newsletters, archived at the website above).
Hopefully, your child spent a few minutes each day last month reading silently
from the Book of Mormon! These few minutes will teach your child valuable
skills and lifelong habits.
Last month’s newsletter
suggested going over any unfamiliar words with your child after they finish
their reading, and have them tell you briefly what was read. This month’s
newsletter will offer some general program guidelines and the reasoning behind them.
(These important activities are not just for children on a homeschool
curriculum.)
Program guidelines:
- Set goals each day to keep learning a priority.
For example, plan to do an activity before you or your child will do some
other thing, such as watch television, or eat lunch.
- Begin with just one learning activity until it
becomes a habit, and then add another. These are the four program
activities: story time recreational reading; flashcard review (“point to
and repeat”); writing practice (“write and recite”); and Book of Mormon
reading (“circle and recite,” or silent reading).
- Keep activities short to encourage consistency
and make it fun. If needed, space the above activities throughout the day
to keep learning time brief.
- To encourage cooperation give your child a
couple of choices each step of the way whenever possible. For example, let
them help you decide which storybook to read together, or when, where, or
in what order a learning activity will take place.
- Have your child make only small, gradual changes
to help them succeed at learning new skills. Have your child practice each
step until it becomes routine before making another change. For example,
have your child begin writing with a crayon on blank paper. When
coordination improves have your child switch to using a pencil. Then, when
your child begins to write smaller, showing signs of fine motor skills,
have them write using lined paper.
- Show your child appreciation to keep them
motivated. Thank them for completing each small task in a learning
activity.
- Encourage your child by celebrating each little
success they make! Focus your comments on a specific area of achievement
and offer sincere praise. Give nods of approval, hugs, and squeezes
whenever you can!
Program reasons:
- Habits forged in youth are better learned, and
give comfort in later years.
- When learning activities are kept simple they
are easier to accomplish. The four activities are begun one at a time.
Each activity should take around ten minutes. Only 50 words are taught
before a child can read the Book of Mormon from the beginning with an
adult!
- Using repetition sets your child up for success.
Activities are practiced daily. Sounds and words are recited ten times,
and then written down five times. They are read on cards, and found in the
scriptures. When all 50 words are learned, the child practices these words
again when starting the Book of Mormon from the beginning.
- Skills are more readily remembered by your child
when reinforced by the use of a variety of senses: touch (handling and
pointing, using flashcards, a book and a pencil), hearing (sounds and
words spoken to them), speaking (reciting sounds and words back), and
sight (looking at flashcards and then finding the letters, numbers or
words in the scriptures).
- Good readers are better able to succeed at
life’s challenges: from better grades in school, to following the
instructions for accomplishing a project, to consulting the knowledge of
others who have dealt with a particular problem.
- Regular scripture reading provides the
foundation for character building, moral reasoning, and strength in
adversity. God has given us the tools we need to face life’s choices so
that they will bring lasting happiness!
Happy scripture reading and
blessings to all!
Hugs & wishes, Vicki
(o;`~
This
unique program uses the Book of Mormon to help a child:
·
grow closer to the things of God
·
develop a scripture reading habit
·
learn how to read and write
Helping a child learn or practice reading and writing skills can be a daunting task. But it doesn’t have to be. Head Start with the Book of Mormon: Using the Scriptures to teach Children Reading and Writing Skills, by Vicki Lynn Rasmussen (42 brief pages + 70 pages of flashcards) will give parents and grandparents the skills needed to nurture great readers using a simple scriptural plan—based on the top 50 words in the Book of Mormon. From a toddler hearing a story read to them, to a child reading silently, the three included phases will benefit all learners. Watch as your child also develops the habit of regular scripture use!
Thank
you for purchasing this book! What better gift can you give a child than the
gift of literacy? As referenced on the back cover, the author’s entire
royalties will be donated to the LDS Perpetual Education Fund. This book can be
ordered at the website above, or purchased at local LDS booksellers.
Please email any questions, comments, or success stories you
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2007©LittleRasCo