Your Baby Can What?!

Imagine this, you are sitting in a baby room listening to the sweet cooing sounds of the cutest baby on this side of earth.  As most adults would do, you pick up a book and begin to read to this innocent being -you come to a word and what do you hear but a 13 month old reading along with you. WTH!

While I am excited that more attention is being put on early literacy skills, I am frustrated to think that society and so called "education professionals" would consider stealing the developmentally appropriateness and the idea of "in due time" from our youngest learners.

The concept of teaching "reading" not pre-reading or enjoyment to a  infant or toddler just blows my mind.  Just the other day I had a talk with a seasoned 5th grade educator who was seriously considering purchasing one of these miracle reading products for her niece.  I just about blew my top!  I quickly explained to her the soon to be tragedy of her decision.

 While children who are exposed to this  whole word approach to reading may read sooner than kids who learn with phonics,  in the long run they pay a very big price. They loose the ability to decode words or spell - which is also critical for writing.  They can only half read - easily skimming over words they have memorized and never gaining full comprehension of what they are reading.

As a parent, educator and consumer, I urge you to think about the long term consequences of your actions when purchasing products.  Don't leave educating your child to DVDs , TV or electronic games.  Remember that positive and meaningful interactions between parent and child will not only produce tremendous academic success but will also give you something technology can never give-A Strong, Loving Bond!