Holiday Reading Magic

Launch your new reader on a holiday adventure!

Beginning readers are always proud to show off their skills. Let your little one shine like a Christmas candle with this great game.

If you wish, teach your emergent reader to recognize some special Christmas words, like Christmas, happy, holiday, tree, star, and so forth. Choose your words carefully if this is a difficult task; pick words of dramatically different sizes, shapes and beginning letters for maximum success.

Now, start searching for words your child knows how to recognize. Look in cards, newspapers, and on decorations. Check marquees when you are out and about. Watch signs and printed Christmas carols. Celebrate together each time you find a word your child can read. Keep a list and watch it grow for the next few weeks. Your child will be pleased and amazed at the number of words he or she already knows how to read, and big ones, too! Nothing boosts self-confidence quite like this simple activity.

 

The Magic of Christmas Music

Many people underestimate the power of music in reading. Beginning readers often feel encouraged and learn a lot from reading the words to familiar songs, and, since most people know Christmas songs, this is a great chance to take advantage of this phenomenon.

Find copies of the words to Christmas music that have the words broken into syllables for singing. By presenting the words in broken up form, you will help beginning readers to see patterns in syllabication and vowel sounds. They will begin to learn about how to attack larger, unfamiliar words.

Songs don't have to be sung, either. Try reading them as a group, or dividing the lines to turn them into choral readings. A few that tell stories can even be presented as plays or puppet shows! Have fun!

 

(from: http://www.squidoo.com/christmasreadingforkids)