Recently am attending workshops on early literacy......... hmm found an ad in the newspaper and so I thought I might try this out as I am now going to have my own child soon so some research to be done!
Am sharing here a bit about what I've learn so far. That is Phonological awareness based on the Montessori Methods. Basically this is apply to the English language, but it seems like Malay language and the Chinese language can also be taught in the similar way.
I've found out that Phonics helps a child to learn the alphabets and make them recognizes familiar words by pronouncing the correct sounds. In this way a child do not need to learn the spelling but can listen and spell correctly once they know the phonics well. But of course this does not mean that they understand every single meaning of the word; basically they are able to read, spell and pronounce correctly that's all. The meaning and knowledge of the word will come in later. Of course basic grammar are taught to form sentences as well.
Not to brag on about phonics... but overall what I've learn so far is that children must be expose to all different skills using their senses. Not only on study but also learn to play using their senses. Like using their eyes to visually see and being inspired.... ie colours, use their sense of smell, touch and feel different things and texture. Expose their tastes buds, eating and tasting different types of food. Let them listen to various sounds and music. All these are equally important to a child rather than just develop on the brain by pouring in all sorts of knowledge.
Research has shown that these days kids as young as a 3 year old are actually having nightmares about homework! Child psychologists are having patients with straight As! Come on, the adults are killing their kids with their own high hopes, what's wrong with them?!?
My only wish for my child is to learn the necessary basic skills and I'll let her just grow into whatever she wants to be. I strongly feels what I need to teach her is more of a moral value rather than being an A+ student.
