Your Baby Can Read. Tv

My friend bought it for her son and she swears by it. I was thinking of buying but i am just waiting to recover from the holidays.

As a teacher, my advice is to read, read, read to your child and model good reading habits and a love for books. Programs like the one you're interested in, really don't show typical results and actually there have been studies done showing that it doesn't matter how early a child reads that determines success. What is important is that they are exposed to reading in a positive, fun, enjoyable way for lifelong learning. With those programs, young children (babies) are learning to "read" as a picture, not as individual letters/sounds, which does give them a little leg up in school, but in the end, reading is much more than that.

You can get the same, if not better, result reading to your child and making it a part of his/her life without the drills, videos, and lessons. Your child should be exploring the world around them at 16 months, not memorizing cards/videos/songs, which in the end they will grow to hate....especially if it stops play (which is the REAL job of a child of that age). Unfortunately there is such a push to have children reading earlier and earlier, that programs, such as this one, are making a bundle off of parental fears that their child won't be able to keep up or won't be the best. If you read daily to your child, point out words in stores, on signs, on TV or on paper, play with letters and the sounds they make, and show them that reading is a part of their daily life that should be enjoyable and fun, it won't cost 200+ and you'll have a much happier child able to REALLY ready use reading skills in school. Have fun with reading, learning and playing...for FREE!! You'll have a much happier child, and better life-long learner and reader.

Don't get seduced by these programs that teach your children to read. First of all, it's not good for your infants or young children to be watching tv or using computers. Studies have shown that this interferes with, not helps their development. Read to your child, sing songs, talk to your child, respond to your babies noises and sounds (this is their pre language), allow your child to play and encourage use of toys that allow creativity and imaginary play. Stay away from toys that are battery operated and do everything for your child, instead provide toys that they can manipulate and use in their own way. Your child will learn how to read and write, etc; there is no rush and you will notice that these skills develop sooner if you stay away from the junk out there that pushes kids before they are ready.

As an education professional, I just wanted to make a comment about early readers. There are some children--a small percentage--who are truly extraordinary and can learn to read at a young age--before about 4 1/2 or 5. However, most children who are reading before that are pushed into it by their parents. By and large, many good studies have shown, that these children who are pushed to read early actually develop a dislike of reading after a few years. For some reason (still being researched) waiting until the child's brain is more developed before they learn to read, is much better to developing a life long love of reading.
Just something to keep in mind when looking into this type of product.

Hi,
First of all, I don't see that you aren't doing all that you should be doing with your child. I see alot of negative feedback about this program...first of all, if anyone has watched it you will see that it isn't something you tie the children up to do, they make it fun and what is the big deal about learning something new if it's made to be fun. It's not a program that is forced upon the children from what I can see. I actually just ordered the program about a week ago and I will let you know how it goes. I just see it as one more avenue to teach our little children new things...they are such little sponges, why not take advantage while they are young? Why not make reading something that isn't "hard"...oh and whoever brought up using phonics, if you look into the program they do have other steps after this first program that include phonics. I do agree that it is pricey, my mother in law bought it for our son, but I will let you know after I have tried it. It's certainly not going to hurt him any!!!

I myelf learned to read in Kindergarten. I remember reading a book called "miffy" I didn't have that. I have a 5 year old daughter who is in Kindergarten and she is reading very well. She has been read to EVERYDAY of her life. we spell out the letters on stop signs, cereal boxes etc.. like someone below says. I say take the $200 and buy her some sturdy board books like "Goodnight Moon" and some other books like"Llama Llama Red Pajamas". Also talk with her about what you are maiking for dinner ..."I am peeling potatoes, to boil, to make mashed potatoes for dinner"
Explain what you do while you bathe her. reading little books with single words is also good Both my children love those. I also have a three year old son who already know when his book is upside down and/or backwards. He can point at the word and tell you they are "c's" as in "abc's".
Both of them love "Chicka Chicka ABC" or "Chicka Chick Boom Boom" The 1st uses lowercase letters and the 2nd uses the Uppercase letters withe the same rhyme. Spending time with your child does more for her than anything she can watch on TV. It builds self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-worth. She will never doubt that you think she is worth it, or that you love her. I'm not a teacher or a child phychatirst(sp) I'm just a Mom who was once a kid, Who tries to give her own kids things I never had...Most importantly time with a good storybook. Good Luck with what evr you choose to do :)

The other thing to remember is there are more important things for your child to learn at 16 months than how to read. Children who are drilled on flash cards at an early age often are awkward socially later because now is the time she should be learning the give and take of conversation, how to share, how to play with another human being interactively. It's so much more important for young toddlers to play and have as many enriching experiences as possible so she can learn to interact with the world around her and the people in it.

Trust me, she'll learn how to read eventually, there is no need to push her now. Better to read to her and start teaching her how to sit through a story and listen.

Hi L.,

Lucky you that you can try this out. I saw a man on a news magazine show recently. I can't remember which one. Maybe it was the Today Show. His children used the learn to read program at an early age and they are able to read at a fast speed and have amazing retention. He said that if he stopped working and read everyday, he'd never be able to catch up to them in the number of books they've read. The program matched words, spoken and written, with pictures so that each was associated with each other. I assume you can show letters of the alphabet and speak the names of the letters and the sounds they make.

Life is learning. Infants are learning as they watch and listen. I see no problem with teaching as long as demanding results from a child on the parents' desired schedule does not happen.

Good luck,

Maureen

Good luck,

My son is 6 and in kindergarten, I know Many Many moms who think it is too young to be teaching 5-6 year olds to read that they are not ready..it use to be a 1-2nd grade thing. I also know children who on their own were ready to read younger and now are bored with the basics that Kindergarten has to teach everyone.

You need to think about what you want for your child, what is age appropriate, what would be better for them to be learns (colors, names of toys)and if they are reading and advanced for their age who that will effect them on a social level when they are older? they may not be on the same level as kids their age in reading, writing skills they could be advanced, but they will be at the same social skills as kids their age and need to be around them.

Are you in a play group at all? maybe you should find one to work on social and learning skills.

I am just finding that is it harder on kids who can do more then their peers at this young of a level. Make sure you are not skipping the things they need at this age to offer them something that is too advanced.

You've gotten a lot of responses but I'd like to throw in a little more.
I teach kindergarten and the program we teach is what 1st grade used to be. We not only teach phonics and alliteration, we now do guided and shared reading with these children. They are journal writing and many of my students can write their own sentences and fully read emergent reader books with up to 4 words in a sentence.
Think Dick and Jane.

What is being left behind for preK to teach now? Well, they do teach the letters and sounds, how to write the first and sometimes the last name as well as colors, shapes and social skills. I do have children who need to be taught these skills and you will find this in any kindergarten.

I'm working on a masters in literacy and found this quote...
"If a young child can recite eight nursery rhymes by the age of four, he or she will be a top reader by the age of eight" Mem Fox (children's author)

and

"Did you know that if parents read one story a day to their child for the first three years of life, that child will have heard 1000 stories by the age of three?" Mem Fox

Now.... this is what I see lacking in my classroom. The majority of my children have never been exposed to nursery rhymes. No Jack and Jill, Little Boy Blue or Humpty Dumpty.

I suggest that while you are reading library books and board books, pick up a Mother Goose book to own and start reading and teaching your child these rhymes. Not only will you be exposing your child to a print rich envirnment with all the reading, but the rhyms will foster the knowledge of words that rhyme (Dr. Seuss are good for this too), alliteration, fluency in reading and a love of books.

Good luck to you!
Just remember, your baby is a baby for only a short time and needs you not only to be her 'teacher' for important skills but also her mommy and playmate.

Ditto Ditto the other response!!!!Just read to your baby! I'd keep your baby away from the tv, engaged in lots of play...and wait until they are (A LOT) older. I have to say (and I am a teacher, so I come with many opinions) that the early reading programs for babies are not necessary or good for babies. good luck

we saw the same commercials - the reviews we researched are positive. in any event, we haven't tried it so can't give you a recommendation on how well it works, but, we did find the first video at our library so we are going to try that. you may want to check your library, or look for used copies on ebay, Craigs List or amazon.com.

If you want your baby to enjoy reading pick up a book and read to your baby or take trip to the library for a story hour.

Hi L.,

I am not familiar with this particular program, however, I was intrigued with Muzzy foreign language program. The complete set was $300 which was way out of our budget. I was able to find it for $100 on EBAY. It came in the original package and was the complete set. We have not begun using it yet, but I was able to get it at a reasonable cost.
You may want to check out craigslist and ebay for the program and see if they have it for a price that better fits your budget.

Best of luck
Ali

I don't know about the video you mentioned, but its sounds a bit pricey. There is a book called teach your child to read in 100 easy lessons. This book is fantastic. It for preschool through second graders. My son loves this book & its not too expensive. Another great thing is the leap frog videos. Letter factory is the first one & it's how my son learned all of his sounds. Naturally we all read to our children, but if they're watching television, why not have them be learning too.

Don't get it! There are lots of other "play" skills your child should be learning. I think too many parents just want to be able to say that their kid can read at an early age, when it really doesn't mean much to the kids. As the other responders said, read lots of books to your child, have him/her point to pictures, or say the names of various pictures, but not words. Developing the vocabulary and communication skills is much more important at this age.

I didn't assume that you aren't reading to your child - but I still think this program is a bad idea! It's expensive, and it doesn't make any sense to me that a child that young is developmentally ready to really read. I think this is the age that they should be working on talking, trying new foods, being creative with gross motor skill development and even starting on fine motor skills, and social skills. Too many kids are pushed these days into things - they are overscheduled with expensive classes, they have no "down" time, and they can't entertain themselves. They expect something organized for them every day. I'm not saying that's what YOU would do, but I'm saying that too much emphasis on doing things "early" can take away from other things. I guess you should ask yourself, "What is my hurry and why do I need her to read at this age?" There are many things you could do with that $200 like buy some museum memberships (Ecotarium, Children's Discovery Museum) to last all year. I think those TV commercials capitalize on parents wanting the best for their kids - of course, don't we all? - and make you feel like there is something wrong with you if you don't give your child every "advantage." But most every kindergarten teacher will tell you that they don't care if an incoming student can even write her name! They want them to work well in a group, negotiatiate their own space without whacking the next kid, and be able to separate from their parents. In the last 10 years, they've only wanted kids who are willing to do something that is NOT electronic and doesn't have instant results. Two many kids today only exercise their thumbs by texting and playing other games! Teens even pay $9 for a movie and then sit there and text their friends 3 seats away! I realize that you are trying to develop a valuable skill - reading - but I think you are asking her to do something she is not ready for, and even if you manage it, you will be wiring her brain to do that at the expense of other things that she's really going to need to be able to do later on.

So I would concentrate on raising a curious and creative child who enjoys her own company and enjoys others - kids and adults - and is eager to participate in whatever life puts in front of her, especially if it's not on a TV/computer screen. Good luck!

Wow! The responses to your query were sad to say the least. I am a 47 year old grandmother of three. I have an I.Q. of 152. My two children have similar I.Q.'s. My daughter is a linguist and my son is a nuclear engineer. We all love to read and I am buying this for my grandchildren for Christmas. I just saw the infomercial a couple of weeks ago and wanted to check with my daughter before buying the gift. She thought it was a great idea. She was also amazed at the negativity. If you ask why I am impressed by this product, well all I can do is share family history with you. My grandmother taught me to read the bible, the Wall Street Journal, and play the piano by the time I was four. When I started public school, my teacher(s) was absolutely infuriated that I could already read and discouraged me at every turn. Perhaps this is why children who are taught at home to read hate reading later-because they are punished. It wasn't until I reached third grade that my teacher encouraged me to excel through reading. I always felt that it was because of my reading that I accelerated in school. I came from a family of seven children, so being a social misfit was not an option. As for my children, I started reading to them when they started nursing for twenty minutes-just enough time to get through a nursery rhyme or a pudgy book. I sang lullabies to them. When they could sit up, we would spend 20-30 minutes reading a book and rocking them to sleep. My children watched TV and I watched Sesame Street with them. Mr. Rogers too. Both children could read by the time they were three and attending pre-school. I remember one Christmas spending almost $200 at a "learning store" for books, games, puzzles, flash cards and other educational items-so to me the cost of this program is relative as that was 20-some years ago. My daughter is grateful that I saved all of their books, some of their games, and a set of flash cards or two, because she says she can't imagine shelling out that kind of money now. I guess that's what grandparents are for. You see, if this had been around when my children were small; I would have bought it for them, just as I am going to do for my grandchildren. Why? Because as a parent/grandparent if I can afford to give my children or grandchildren an opportunity that gives them an advantage in life; I will. Same concept as to why I sent them to college-the advantages it will give them in life. And just to let you know, neither of my children are socially backward, both have more friends than I can keep track of; and both of them excelled at sports as well as just plain old outdoor exercise. I wish you lots of smiles, laughter, tickle time, and just plain old hugs with your child. God Bless.

Leslie,

I think kids all absorb learning when they are able to process. Toilet training and drinking from a cup all happen when they are supposed to, not before.

My kids are 12, 10 and 8 and they are really bright, but I was always discouraged by their teachers to push them to learn things before they were really "ready".

I don't know/see the advantages of reading early. It's a lot of responsibility to read information when a child's mind may not be mature enough to understand it.

We all want our children to be successful. I think your child is half-way there with a parent as concerned as you.

My best advice (since you are seeking it) is to follow the lead of your child'd pre-school teachers on this topic.

Best of luck,

I can't afford this program myself. I am not that worried about teaching my baby to read I feel like if he shows an interest in wanting to learn I will encourage that but he will learn when he is ready. My son plays with his leap frog books, it reads to him and teaches him to sound out words, for an hour each day. We do number flash cards and abc flash cards for about thirty minutes each day because he has a short attention span. He is three years old and speaks very well for his age, he sounds out simple words and can read them. He knows his abc's and can count to twenty five. So just encourage them to learn you don't need a program just keep doing what you are doing and your child will learn at their own pace like they are supposed to there is no need to rush them into developing faster because these people don't know what kind of problems this can cause later. It might produce smarter kids but it also might make them socially inept or anything.

Anything that expensive to teach a child to read makes me suspicious. I'd continue what you are doing and read to your 16 month old.

Hi,

Your child is learning and developing so quicly at this age. I wonder if gearing your baby toward reading at such an early age will somehow divert him or her from the natural exploration so vital for creativity. Will your baby miss out on something that might come naturally because it is using its energy to learn to read? If a child picks up reading at an early age on his or her own, that's great. But, a child will not be behind if this skill doesn't emerge until age 4, 5, or 6, as it does wth most children.

Good Luck

Whats the deal with rushing kids to read... Why not just enjoy the experience of reading to your baby. all kids eventually learn to read and soon enough they will all want to do it on their own and won't want you within 10 feet of them so just relax and enjoy the experience of being close to them. They all catch up to each other in school at some point and if they read sooner than the next kid it doesn't make them any smarter or better.