The wiz
Filed Under Stuff, Tips & Tricks | November 30, 2007
If you’ve been on our list for any length of time now you know we’re big fans of books. We figure 
they’re gifts that keep on giving. But what about teaching your little one early literacy skills to give them a good foundation for when the time comes for them to learn their reading, writing and ‘rithmatic? Okay, maybe not math, but definitely reading and writing.
Children as young as two can start developing pre-literacy skills. The easiest and best way to set them up for lifetime of enjoying books is simply reading aloud to your kids. Phonics is another good way to help your child develop some key pre-reading skills.
Since we’re not teachers by nature, we looked for some phonics help and found The Phonics Wizard Reading Series, a line of products produced by local mum and child-counselor, Sharon Selby. It combines different multi-sensory teaching strategies into an easy-to-follow program of music, games, phonetic picture books and beginner reader books. The program helps develop your child’s vocabulary, letter knowledge, and phonological awareness.
When can you crack open The Phonics Wizard with your child? It’s best to wait for them to show an interest in letters, words and language. This may begin when they are only two, or it may come later. Introduce them to phonics when you sense they’re ready, but don’t push it if they’re not interested. You want them to think its play, not work.
As always, librarians are a great resource. Ask them for recommendations for books to read to your little ones. And if you’re interested in more early-literacy information check out: www.pla.org/earlyliteracy.htm or ask your librarian if they have the “Every Child Ready to Read” brochure or click here for a variety of printable PDF versions.
And why not wrap up your gift books with a copy of the Phonics Wizard this year? Making a gift that keeps on giving, give even more.
The Phonics Wizard Reading Series: www.thephonicswizard.com
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