Help W/ 4 Year Old Reading Interest???

It seems like everyone is saying the same thing, but I'll say it too. Just make it fun. I know he has years of school ahead of him, but why not teach him when he's young? It can only help. Have you tried fingerpainting, drawing with chalk on the sidewalk/driveway, or pudding painting. Pudding painting is just making some chocolate pudding and letting him color with it. If he's like most boys he'll enjoy it as long as it's active learning. Good luck!

let him grow the age of writting be happy that he plays, and laugh and enjoy his tender years. for writting and intelectual attempts he will have many many years of schooling.

Hi B.,
As an early childhood teacher, I can tell you that the best thing you can do with your grandchild is to read to him. You can give him art materials like crayons, markers and have him draw about the stories. Drawing is the first step towards writting. You can play games and have him do what we call mock writting, where he can be a waiter and take an order of food. Through play he can undertand the true concept of writting which is to comunitcate. He might eventually start to write his name and experiment with that. Clay, sand and any kind of material that will develop his fine motor skills are a great way to encourage the process. When a child writes at this age grammer and spelling are not as important as the idea and concept of writing it self. He has many years ahead to work on spelling, so let him be creative and enjoy! If you dare finger paint are a lot of fun. They also love to use paint brushes, and paint on an esel. I hope this helps. Love in all A..

Ms. B,

Actually I am a "home schooler Mom" of three. The ages are 11, 6 and 5. That "doesn't show much interest in writting" will be modify.

Talk with him about his favorites "action figures", "cartoons", "programs in TV" and start to write their names. In his case, you will start with short words and he will going to trace them first than all. This point is very important because we do not want to frustrate him. We just want to show him the marvelous way of communication that is the "writing". After that, start with his name. He is too young and he going in good pace.

To work with his fine and thick motor development some clay is fabulous for them.

My last advice is just dedicate to writing (in his case) three times a week, no more than 30 minutes and do it like a game. You will enjoy it too!!!

Ms. IF

Hi B.. I am a new homeschooling mom. From anyone I talk to they always tell not to push. It will happen. He is really young. Sometimes when we push they will may never truly enjoy writing. Just write has a really good series for next year you might be interested in.
C.

I have twins who are now 6 years old, my daughter was very interested in writing and reading from very early. My son on the other hand had no interest at all until he started pre -K,we worked with him anyway just didn't push him, just keep up the good work and one day he will suddenly start.

ok so you mean writing interest?
magna doodle/doodle pro
things like that-
even a stick (w/ supervision!) in the sand,
finger painting (in the bathtub if you want),
etc
pointing out words all over the place- stop signs, signs in general, his name, school bus, etc

have him draw you a picture and then tell you what it is-
write what he tells you-

all of these things will get him interested in writing

My son just turned 4 and his school has them "sign in" every morning. He now can write his first and last name clearly. My suggestion is start with the first letter of his name and have him practice on that for a while. My son, Patrick, still loves writing P's. Capital letters are also easier to write than lower case. So I wouldn't even focus on the case yet. Hope that helps.

J.

Hi B.,

I'm a mother of 5, a grandmother and have taught pre-shool for almost 7 years.

It has been my experience that four year olds (especially boys) are not as interested in developing their fine motor skills at this age, as perhaps a girl might. There are exceptions, but overall, I see 4 year old boys interested in developing their large motor skills, their coordination, social skills and curiosity towards experiencing new things, especially tactile (playdough, building blocks, leggos, lincoln logs, slime, etc.). If he can recognize letters and even words, that is wonderful. In teaching how to write, we try to develop their eye-hand coordination, and control over their fine motor development. Give him some chalk and have him draw large letters on the sidewalk, or trace over something you have drawn. Keep it creative and fun, and don't push too hard, right now, it's still early.

D.

He just turned four. You said he knows his ABCs and enjoys reading. The writing will natually come in this next year. I would give him different mediums to work with.
Bright markers, water colors, sparkle crayons even play dough. He can make letters in the playdough. You can model for him. Let him be free to create, however you can sit with him and paint letter people or write his name in playdough. He will most likly follow your lead.

Maybe you could buy a white dry erase board with colorful dry erase markers and begin by showing him how to write his ABC's. Be careful with the markers, though. They stain clothing. My daughters have ruined many items because they were not careful. If your grandson isn't in school yet, I wouldn't push him too much with writing. Most children who begin kindergarten do not even know how to write. If you push him, he'll find it easier to resist. Learning should always be fun.

You might want to try Leap Frog items that require writing but not on paper. It is a fun way for kids to write without even realizing they are doing so. Sometimes holding a pencil can be difficult for a young child. You can also try getting the jumbo size which might be easier for him to hold. Good Luck!

Right now he loves reading--writing will follow. I would start with art kits, alphabet games, and phonic games. After awhile the connection will be made between drawing, writing, and reading, and he may end up like my youngest--a published poet! (I took him to a poetry conference and he won a prize)

Hi Grand-mom ,
Check out this link you might find something that interest him.All of these toys are educational, fun and safe. Hope this helps. www.Discoverytoyslink.com/LisaRyan

Ryan's Mom L.

Dear Ms. B
While I have 2 girls, 10 and 14, I remember all my friends with boys complaining of the same thing. And still, they complain. It appears that girls take to reading more easily. Boys are much more physical and active. Often times, it just takes longer for boys to connect with reading and writing. It will happen, so read to him DAILY. He will enjoy listening to you and eventually, get the hang of the writing. Reading for enjoyment may take longer. I recommend getting him something he would find interesting, maybe a comic book. As long as he is reading something!!
S.

Make writing fun by using shaving cream on a table or chocolate pudding on a baking sheet. Kids make an organized mess while he is learning to form letters and numbers.

Hi. I am a former homeschooling mom and proud to say that all 3 kids are accomplished, contributing, wonderful adults. My youngest is a boy who went through the same thing. I was a little nervous when,unlike his sisters, he didn't have much interest in reading or writing during the young years. I even researched it a little and found some info that says that boys are not ready for these things sometimes til age 11! I did as other moms have responded and read to him every day and for bedtime stories. It was like magic when he did start reading on his own. Interest plays a huge part, so he is not bored.
Don't worry, your grandson will surprise you. M.