Literacy Specialist & Mompreneur On How To Cultivate Life-long Readers
Reading is one of those fundamental skills with the potential to open up a world of knowledge, imagination, and adventure to those who master it. Who wouldn’t want to give their child such a gift? Especially considering that, with the right guidance, its mastery is rather simple!
This brings me to my next guest, Maria Golden, an Early Childhood teacher and reading specialist, who discussed how to introduce young children to the joy of reading and foster lifelong readers.
Maria Golden’s Journey to Literacy Education
Maria has a Master’s Degree in Education and extensive experience in the classroom. After working in a traditional classroom setting for several years, Maria transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom to better support her three young children. Her desire to continue helping children with their reading skills led her to start her own business, Growing in Literacy, to empower parents, grandparents, and childcare providers with the knowledge and tools to make learning fun and easy for their kids.
Incorporating Fun and Play into Reading Development
Maria emphasizes the importance of play in a child’s learning process. She believes that learning to read should be fun and play-based to instill a love of reading. She suggested that instead of relying on flashcards, caretakers could start by simply pointing out letters in the environment, such as on signs or in books, to make the reading process more engaging.
Key Takeaways:
- Make Learning Fun: Use playful activities to introduce reading concepts.
- Use Everyday Objects: Incorporate letters and words from the environment.
- Avoid Flashcards: Focus on interactive and engaging methods.
Tips for Introducing Children to Reading
Maria provides several practical tips for parents who want to introduce their children to reading and foster a love of reading:
- Use Topics of Interest: Incorporate topics that fascinate your child to make learning fun and engaging. For example, if your child loves dinosaurs, include dinosaur-themed activities in their reading journey.
- Go with the Flow: Be flexible and let your child take the lead in their learning. Allow them to explore their creativity and adapt activities to their interests.
- Meet Them Where They Are: Start with the letters of their name and use magnetic letters or blocks to create fun activities. Focus on their individual progress to build a strong foundation for future reading skills.
- Focus on Fun: Make reading a play-based experience. Point out letters and words in the environment, create word games, and encourage storytelling.
- Don’t Force It: Be mindful of your child’s readiness and avoid forcing them into activities they may not be ready for. The goal is to create a positive and enjoyable reading experience.
Key Takeaways:
- Use Interests: Incorporate topics that fascinate your child.
- Follow Their Lead: Allow your child to guide the learning process.
- Engage with the World: Utilize everyday surroundings as learning opportunities.
Balancing Work and Family Life
Balancing a business and family life can be challenging. Maria shares her strategies for managing her time, including scheduling dedicated work times and prioritizing family time. She emphasizes the importance of being present with her children and finding moments for self-care, even if it’s just a short walk.
Key Takeaways:
- Schedule Work Time: Dedicate specific times for business activities.
- Prioritize Family Time: Be present and engaged with your children.
- Practice Self-Care: Find moments for yourself to recharge.
Support from Her Spouse:
Maria highlights the importance of setting aside quality time with her spouse. While they haven’t been consistent with date nights, they prioritize weekend evenings for themselves. This helps maintain a strong relationship and provides mutual support in their busy lives.
Key Takeaways:
- Prioritize Couple Time: Make time for your partner to strengthen your relationship.
- Be Consistent: Regularly schedule time together, even if it’s just weekends.
- Support Each Other: Maintain a strong partnership to navigate challenges.
Advice for Moms Starting a Business:
Maria encourages moms to pursue their passions and visions. She advises them to push through the challenges and keep going, even when things get tough. Maria emphasizes the importance of perseverance and not giving up on their dreams.
Key Takeaways:
- Pursue Your Passion: Follow your dreams and start your business.
- Overcome Challenges: Push through difficulties with determination.
- Stay Perseverant: Keep going and never give up on your goals.
Building a love for reading in young children is a rewarding journey that requires patience, creativity, and a focus on fun. By incorporating topics of interest, going with the flow, building foundational skills, focusing on fun, and avoiding force, parents can create a nurturing environment that fosters a lifelong love for reading. Remember, reading is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about opening doors to imagination, creativity, and endless possibilities. Start early, make it enjoyable, and watch your child’s love for reading grow.
You can access Maria’s Free preschool activity guide (click the link) and other resources where parents can sign up for weekly activities. She also shares content on her Facebook and Instagram pages, providing additional insights and tips for parents.
Connect with Maria-
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/growinginliteracy/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/growinginliteracy
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