So I have really be struggling with whether or not to actually introduce reading to Snow White. I have had mixed comments from people on what to do.
As you know, Snow White attends a French preschool and will be attending an all French school. She loves her preschool and is beginning to understand a bit of French.
Snow White knows her letter sounds in English and for the past few weeks has been sounding out the first letter of pretty much everything she sees or can think of. I did not want to take it further as I was worried about confusing her, but yesterday I picked up some BOB books. I showed her the first book and looked at it with her. She began to sound out the words and actually read the entire book! (Later I wanted her to show her Daddy and she only read a bit of it and said she did not want to read anymore, so I put the book away).
What do you think? Do you think this will cause confusion? I am wanting any advice or suggestions (Snow White turned 4 two weeks ago).
naomi
Sunday 1st of November 2009
my oldest son had intense exposure to two languages from birth-- english and hebrew-- and added his 3rd language--german by age 3. i have no idea if because of this or in spite of this he cracked the code for reading at an exceptionally young age---in all three languages! verbally he could move from language to language without missing a beat. we did not teach these languages to him, he just picked them up as children will do when exposed. he was read to in all of the languages on a regular basis, as well as learning songs and being exposed to some t.v....
later thru traveling he picked up bits of various other languages.
our brains are simply incredible. they can absorb amazing amounts of linguistic information, sort it out and have this information ready for use at a moments notice. i am sure many families around the world experience this with their children on a regular basis; although it seem as though in english speaking countries such as this one (u.s.a.) the overwhelming majority of the population is mono-linguistic and the ability to fluently speak another language is sometimes seen as an astounding feat.
i would say go for it. the more languages the merrier.
.
Monday 5th of October 2009
Absolutely no problem with it whatsoever. Her being able to read this young, in any language, will make a world of difference. Go with the inner drive of the child!
Lindart
Monday 5th of October 2009
I think you should follow her interest. When she is being taught to read French it will come much easier to her if she already knows how to read English.
Koko's mama
Monday 5th of October 2009
In my opinion, I think you are doing a fine job being sensitive to follow the child. I think it would be nice to have the Bob books out from time to time and if SW is inclined to use them, she will. My 4 year old is also learning two languages and though I concentrated mostly on English, she is picking up Korean as well, but definitely at her own pace. I also found this book helpful:http://www.amazon.com/Bilingual-Edge-Teach-Second-Language/dp/0061246565/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254713537&sr=8-12.