Child Simply Does Not Get Phonics
Question: My second grader simply can’t sound out most new words; however, she is a very good reader. You can tell her what a word is, or she figures it out through context. Her teacher’s reaction is: “Some kids just won’t get phonics.” This remark bothered me. Is it important for my child to become more skilled with phonics? – Good Reader
Answer: Children learn to read in different ways. Your daughter is a sight-reader. This is the way children were taught to read years ago. It would be helpful if your daughter could use phonics to recognize the first sound in unknown words as it would make it easier for her to use context in recognizing them. While she may never be great at phonics, she probably has some knowledge of phonics simply through her ability to read so well.
Lowering Stress at School
Question: My second-grade daughter is anxious and stressed every day in school. I feel that this is affecting her academic growth. How can I help her to relax in the school environment? – Scared
Answer: You definitely want your daughter to have a more positive learning experience. It is time to get an appointment with her teacher and school counselor, who should have some solid ideas about how to turn this situation around before third grade. An investigation should tell everyone what is causing the anxiety and stress. Could it be the schoolwork or related to her classmates?
The answer could be as simple as getting her some tools like a stress ball, having her chew gum, or allowing her to sit on an exercise ball – techniques she could use to calm herself and get her mind in a different place.
Increasing Vocabulary Tricks
Question: My son currently is in fourth grade. How can he increase his vocabulary? -- Needs Words
Answer: Children pick up new words and their meanings in two major ways, through listening and through reading. Starting in fourth grade, new and unfamiliar vocabulary is introduced in all subjects, especially science and social studies, building a foundation for future learning.
Mastery of these words is essential to understanding the material. This task is much easier for the good listeners in every classroom. Children who don’t listen in class are always playing catch-up in learning vocabulary.
Building children’s vocabulary does not just occur at school, though. The more you talk to your children, no matter what their age, the larger their vocabularies will be because parents use far more challenging words than children’s peers. We doubt that we have to sell you on the advantages of having a good vocabulary, from higher grades and standardized test scores now, to future college admission tests.
Parents should send questions and comments to dearteacher@dearteacher.com or the Dear Teacher website. ©Compass Syndicate Corporation, 2020