phonics for 3 year old? too early or too late?

Question

Hi, I'm planning to start on phonics for my 3 yr old son. He knows all the alphabits (all uppercase, 50% lower case) since he is 2. I tried to teach him letter sounds he would not listen or says only couple of them if I start with fun (H(a), S(nake) sound, etc). He keeps on doing that and I get frustrated stopped.

Do you think this 3 is the right age to start? How did you handle this?

Also, when to start on some difficult puzzles? How do you make them sit and do it? He tries couple of times, and then he would not do or ask for help all the time. If we push him to try himself, he will completely stop.

Please suggest.

Thanks!

Answer 1

-Be patient with him. Make him sit still for five or ten minutes every single day and sing his abc's or write the ones that he knows. If you are consistent, this WILL WORK! Phonics is good too, but if he can't sit still don't hold it against him. He is still pretty small and what he knows is very good for his age...Get a chalk board and some chalk and write out a few letters of the alphabet on it every morning and a few small words and practice with him.

Answer 2

My 2 1/2 y/o daughter has the leap frog DJ phonic radio and memorized all the phonics sounds with songs. She had it since she was 2 and still loves it !!!! She takes it with her in the car sometimes. It's not an annoying toy at all. Its well worth it. Also the frige magnets that talk by leap frog are great too. She just started spelling 3 letter words on the word whammer !! Like mom, dad, dog, cup ad zoo !!! It teaches phonics as well.
Let your child learn through fun !!!!!
Good Luck !!!

Answer 3

I too want my son to be smart and ahead in his class. But there is a point when I have to step back and say "is this REALLY whats best for right now?" The rule of thumb is, a kid is ahead if they can read by kindergarten. Which is usually 4-5 yrs old. So I would just stop at letter recognition for now. Maybe go onto a different subject like science projects, art projects, numbers.....They have those Preschool workbooks (teaching store, target, walmart) that are always fun and age appropriate.

Answer 4

I started my daughter on phonics and math supplemental programs at her daycare at age 3. She has been in them for about 7 months and has really exceled. If you think you're child is ready for phonics, do it. You know your child better than anyone else. Introduction to language is very important and the earlier they have exposure to these concepts, the better. Don't let others tell you that you are overbearing or 'pushing' your child too hard. If academics are important to you, as they are with my family, then instill these same values in your kids and they will have a life long love of learning!

Answer 5

Age three may be a bit young but check out these books.... The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading by Jessie Wise and Sara Buffington Bob Books Set 1-Beginning Readers by Bobby Lynn Maslen and John R. Maslen Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons by Siegfried Engelmann

Answer 6

my daughter just turned 2 in April, she is still learning all her ABC's but is on her way, she is also learning all the sounds of the alphabet and some phonics through daily play and song. We sing everything and we dance to it too. If you do not have a set song, you can make one up. But, lake shore learning company has many tapes with songs on it. (Most schools order from here for equipment) I have included the web page for the color songs and if you are willing to surf the web you can find lots of the songs that you need for teaching already out there. Good luck and have fun.

Answer 7

Many brighter children are mentally ready for activities and learning before they are physically ready. My 3 year old tested at a 6 or 7 year old level on all categories and activities for the kindergarten screening test...except maturity (able to sit through it all) Let him have puzzles any time he wants, with the guideline that he puts it away before getting a new one out. Wait on Phonics, if he can't sit still long enough you will do more harm than good. Now is a great time for learning games, I mean ones that require adult interaction. He will figure out that he gets time with you and he will be building skills also. Also read lots of books to him. Be patient, he will have the rest of his life to read to himself and this short time when he wants to crawl into your lap for a book.

Answer 8

I'm not sure why so many parents today are so driven for academics in young children! It needs to be fun and practical for them.

I have a 5 and 3 year old that are at the same level when it comes to doing puzzles. The 3yo loves it because he is very detail oriented by birth. He loves to draw and problem solve. My 5yo is just as bright, but her forte is language and music. All this to say... you must work with your child's bent. The academics will come with your encouragement, but this is the age to really enjoy your child and think of fun ways to learn... not "by the book." For instance, have him draw his own picture, and then cut it up to make his own puzzle. Or try writing his name and then drawing a picture that starts with each sound.

What are his interests? Use that to sneak in academic skills. I taught a young boy to read using dinosaur books. It was the only thing that kept his interest.

I highly recommend the Leapfrog phonics series. Here is one place that sells them: http://www.amazon.com/Leapfrog-Learning-Talking-Factory-Storybook/dp/B000EHQU1W/ref=sr_1_1/102-2729634-9113719?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1179640136&sr=1-1

They are fun and creative, and worth every penny!

Relax, and remember, he has years of learning ahead of him. Now is the time to instill character and a love for life.

Answer 9

I know when I was in school we did phonics in 1st and 2nd grade so it seems early to me. Children all learn at different rates and ages and pushing too hard will just make him upset If he's not ready yet forcing him really won't help. 3 year olds often still need plenty of help with things and will usually be glad to tell you when they want to do things on their own.

Answer 10

Might as well get a burlap sack, put the kid in it and do a river toss.... you are pushing the kid too hard, the kid will learn on his own, all you are doing is preping him to be bored in school and to act up. Get phonics for yourself ....alphabits is a cereal, alphabet is the letters.