THE FIRST STEP TO SUCCESS

By: Elmina Fabon Fallar

READING is the one major skill upon which all other learning is based. My mother helped us develop strong reading skills, thus helping us succeed in most other areas of learning.

At the age of six years old, Mother enrolled me in Libertad Elementary School as a visitor. The school was situated on a hill. We had to climb a hill to reach the school. After classes, I had to hurry going home because Mother was waiting for me with a smile. Important meaning is found in that smile – and that’s reading is all about – discovering meaning. It’s never too late or too early to begin.

A year later, our family transferred to town. Mother enrolled me in Grade I. Again, after class and upon reaching home, she would teach me how to read until I felt tired and sleepy.

In high school in Romblon College my teacher in English was Mrs. Lydia Formilleza Fetalino. I learned more about reading from her, She was a brilliant teacher in English.

When I finished a degree at Arellano University, immediately I applied to higher authorities to qualify me to take the Teachers Board Examination. Luckily I passed the said examination and was immediately ordered to teach in another town. After six year I was transferred to Odiongan.

In my desire to earn more knowledge about reading, I applied for a study leave grant during the term of Supt. Salustiano F. Faigao and District Supervisor Carlos F. Formadero. Without much ado, the grant was given.

I finished my Master’s Degree at Philippine Normal University with specialization in Reading (English). I came to know Mrs. Ampara Villamin a professor in Reading (English). I learned much from her.

1. It is said that an infant is reading when it first responds to a parent’s smile. Important meaning is found in that, and that’s reading is all about – discovering meaning. It’s never too early or too late to begin.

As we read to young children, point to the pictures or move fingers under the words. They will soon learn that pictures tell a story, that words tell about pictures, that sentences (in many languages) are read from left to right, and that pages are read from top to bottom.

2. Set aside regular time to read aloud. Avoid times when the child has obligations such as homework or wants to watch a favorite TV program. Make a commitment and stay with it. Turn down other appointments. Think of the positive message that will send to the child.
3. There be times when the child wants to share or talk about a book he or she has read. We can’t always refuse everything, but when we can, do. When we must postpone the request, explain why, commit to a time later in the day, and keep your commitment. The younger the child, the sooner that time should be.
4. Listen to children and discover their interest. Its children grow older, involve them in selecting books. Introduce them to the library and make regular visits together.

Not all books appeal to children, and not all are books we want them to read. But we can introduce them to a better quality of literature as we determine criteria together and they will be better prepared to make their own selections in the future.

5. If a child wants to learn more about space exploration use materials he or she can understand. Younger children will learn more from books with pictures knowing that a man traveled to the moon maybe enough to satisfy a beginner. How the man got there will interest older readers.
6. Ask the child to read a page aloud. If you hear five or more mistakes, the book is perhaps too difficult. But if the subject holds the child’s interest, don’t deny to chance to learn. This is perhaps one of those books that you should read aloud to the child.

Have plenty of eye-appealing books and magazines in your home – some for you, some for your child. Choose a place where you will read together – a favorite chair propped up on your child’s bed, the porch swing, anywhere.

Provide a bookcase that will be the child’s own and encourage him or her to store favorites there. It’s also a good place to keep those library books so it’s easy to find them when its time to return them.

When ready to read aloud eliminate distractions. Turn off T.V. or radio cellphones, etc. and avoid times when friends or family members seem to make demands of your time.

8. When reading aloud, use voice inflection and tone that will the story come to life, share the humor, the pathos, the anxiety. Put some drama into the voice.
9. Share jokes, nonsense rhymes, funny stories, puns, words with silly sounds. Read aloud stories or examples of humor that appeal to children.
10. Start a book, arouse the child’s interest, then stop while interest is high. This lets a child ask for more. Older children may ask for the book so they can finish reading it for themselves.
11. Don’t overdo it. Five or ten minutes is enough at first. The younger the child, the shorter the attention span. You want the child to ask for more, not beg to stop.
12. When kids ask tough questions about a topic in the book, be truthful, “I don’t know, but I can help you find out” and lead him or her to other books to find answers.
13. Begin reading a story, but stop before the end. Ask the child to imagine what might happen. After speculating together, read the rest of the story aloud – or better yet, let the child read the rest of the story, if able to do so, and share the ending.
14. Kids love to hear themselves talk. Record them reading a story, and send the tape to a grandparent or friend.
15. Get a response from the child. It’s called comprehension check. Let the child act out part of the story. On other days draw a pictures, summarize ideas, or review information.

Encourage children to read favorite books and stories to a younger sibling or to share new knowledge with older persons.

16. After a trip, encourage the child to talk or write about it. Younger children can dictate their story – a sentence or two is sufficient. Tell them to illustrate with a picture, then read it to someone – a grandparent, a neighbor, an elderly friend, a cousin, etc. Display the child craft.
17. When a child shares a reading (or any other) experience, listen carefully and respond positively. The child wants to please everybody. Everyone’s approval is a major source of encouragement.

Sharing good books can become a bonding experience with a child. Just 15 minutes a day will make it happen. Try it.