Wonder Manual

Teaching a child under 2 to read involves fostering a love for language and literacy in a developmentally appropriate way. Keep in mind that children at this age are in the early stages of language acquisition and may not be ready for formal reading instruction. However, you can still lay the foundation for literacy through various activities. Here are some areas to focus on:

Language Development

Vocabulary Building: Introduce your child to a variety of words through everyday conversations, books, and interactive activities.

Listening Skills: Encourage active listening by engaging in conversations, describing everyday activities, and playing with toys that make sounds.

Book Exploration

Picture Books: Choose colorful and engaging picture books with simple illustrations and large text.

Interactive Reading: Point to pictures, name objects, and ask simple questions about the story. Encourage your child to respond, even if it’s just through babbling.

Phonemic Awareness

Rhyming Games: Engage in rhyming activities with nursery rhymes or create simple rhymes during playtime.

Sound Awareness: Point out sounds in the environment and imitate them together.

Print Awareness

Pointing to Words: While reading, point to words as you say them. This helps your child understand the connection between spoken and written language.

Identifying Letters: Introduce letters through alphabet books or by pointing out letters in your child’s environment.

Storytelling

Narrative Skills: Encourage your child to tell simple stories using pictures or toys. This helps build the ability to sequence events and understand the structure of a story.

Engaging Activities

Singing: Singing nursery rhymes and songs helps develop rhythm, melody, and language skills.

Play with Letters and Words: Use magnetic letters, alphabet blocks, or letter-shaped cookies to make learning letters fun and hands-on.

Create a Literacy-Rich Environment

Surroundings: Make your home a print-rich environment by labeling objects, having books accessible, and displaying letters and words in different places.

Daily Routines: Incorporate literacy into daily activities, such as talking about the grocery list, reading signs, or singing songs during bath time.

Remember that every child develops at their own pace, and the key is to make learning enjoyable and interactive. Focus on creating a positive association with books and language, and be responsive to your child’s cues and interests. If you have concerns about your child’s development, consider consulting with a pediatrician or early childhood education specialist.