Baby and Toddler Brains are Amazing
I am a big advocate for exposing kids to words, language, and reading at an early age. Children’s brains from the ages of 0-3 are growing at a fast rate. This means that their learning rate is extremely rapid during this time.
When my son was a baby I exposed him to a lot of language through books, singing, talking, and telling stories. My purpose was for him to learn to talk. I didn’t want him to be a late talker because sometimes children can become frustrated and resort to hitting when they want something but can’t express it. I wanted my son to communicate his wants and needs as early as he could.
Added Bonus
My plan worked! He started talking in full sentences around 18 months and sounding out words at 21 months. The ability to read was a surprise to me. It was not my intention but I didn’t complain that it happened.
There were 10 steps that I used to get my son to talk and read…
- Familiarity with Language
- In-Depth Learning
- Learning the Alphabet
- Phonics
- Blending Sounds
- Sight Words
- Experience
- Digital Media
- Reading a Variety of Books
- Strategic Structure of my Day
All of these steps are discussed in detail in my book Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play. This book has over 130 activities/games, tips and resources. It is available on Amazon. Click the image below to access it.
Sight Word Games and Activities
Today we will discuss sights words. In the video below I explain what sight words are and how I used playful methods to expose my son to them. I DID NOT USE FLASH CARDS. Although effective at times, I think using flash cards are an isolated way of exposing a child to sight words and this is explained in the video. I also provide better teaching alternatives.
The video comes from my Online Course, Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play. This course shows you how my son learned to read through playful activities. He didn’t know he was learning because we made it fun. It takes you through his learning-to-read journey with videos of him as a baby up to three years old.
Click the image below to learn more about our Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play Online Course.
Back to Sight Word Games and Activities
I explain how my son learned sight words in three videos.
You can access the other two videos in our resource library by clicking this link or completing the form below.
I hope this helps! Enjoy the sight word journey!
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Our books are available on Amazon, “Teach Your Toddler to Read Through Play,” “Fun Easy Ways to Teach Your Toddler to Write, and “Teach Your Child About Money Through Play.“
THE TEACH YOUR TODDLER TO READ THROUGH PLAY ONLINE COURSE HAS A $97 DISCOUNT.
This was all new to me but it sounds like a great way of learning! I’m sure many parents will really appreciate and value this article!
Thank you Lisa!!! I hope parents find it helpful!
My five month old nephew is already a tv junkie so we all look for ways to engage him without a screen. These are great tools for when he gets older.
I am glad you found these helpful! Thank you for your comment.
Wow this is amazing information and advice I’m gonna try implement the technique for my 1 year old!!
Thank you! I am glad you found this helpful!
Teaching through play is great for so many skills, but I never thought of doing it for sight words. Thanks for sharing!
I love this! I am also a huge fan of exposing kids to words, reading, and language at an early age. I started reading to my baby before she was 3-months-old, and I also started teaching her sign language around that time.
Thank you for sharing! I love doing sign language with my son. I remember getting so excited when he showed me his first sign.
Needful content. Keep creating content like this! Tons of love for you
Thank you for your comment and suggestion!
This is so interesting! Will definitely try with my toddler.