LEARNING TO READ

Learning through play and reading are closely connected because play helps build the fundamental language, communication, and cognitive skills necessary for reading.  Research overwhelming supports that play allows children to explore, experiment, and develop essential cognitive, societal, emotional, and physical skills. As an educator, I am cognizant that it is about more than simply having fun; it is about creating a solid foundation for learning.

 Learning to read is not just about identifying letters and words; it is a complex process that entails comprehending the sounds of language and how those sounds relate to written symbols. It involves developing an understanding that words are made up of sounds (phonemic awareness), connecting sounds to letters (phonics), and sight word recognition. This is commonly referred to as deciphering a code. The goal is to shift from learning to read to reading to learn.