Reading may feel like second nature to us by now.
But for most students, learning to read is not a natural process.
In fact, it can get confusing.
This does not mean that there is anything wrong with the learner.
Imagine the Beginner’s Experience
Can you recall a time when the printed word was mysterious?
How did you learn to decipher it?
First you learned the language.
Then you learned the written symbols that represent that language.
I don’t know the language, above. I have no idea what these symbols mean.
Imagine you have to read this:
Note: This is not written in Greek;
nor are these letter-symbols used correctly (as far as I know).
So actual familiarity with Greek should not affect your experience at all!
You will need to know the sound each symbol makes, so here is
Try it, if you like.
Do you find this tedious or confusing?
With only 10 symbols, this example is simplified.
Did I mention that the language was German?
Did I mention it should be read from right-to-left?
Did you get einen schonen tannenbaum?
The point is: for a beginner, reading is complex.
Here is the short list of basic reading skills:
- The sounds of language and how to play with them
- Symbols (letters) and the sounds they represent
- Strings of symbols and the words they represent
- The Rules of the Game (like which direction the symbols go)
- And of course, the language
It is a lot to put together all at once.
When students have trouble, this does not mean that there is anything wrong with them.
Easy-and-accurate practice makes perfect!
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