Hi. I was asked by my friend to tutor her 7 year old daughter English as English is not their native language. Her daughter can speak English well. However, she can not read at all. I figured out that I would teach her phonics and then move on to whole words. However, she gets really bored with phonics and just wants to play. Nothing I do seems to interest her. I have not tried yet the flash cards but I think she would not like it either. We only have a 3 months and after that she would be starting an English school so she needs to read , write, and speak English well. I really want to help her as my friend is counting on me. What should I do? Any suggestions?
Sometimes kids prefer learning from the computer. One really good site is Reading Bear.org. Another is Star Fall.com. Both of these are lots of fun and simple to learn from. Hope these help!! It is a lot of fun to help a child learn anything, so enjoy yourself!!!
Maybe if you use some sort of manipulative to make it fun instead of sitting down with a book. You could make your own but here are some examples:
http://melissaculver.blogspot.com/2010/02/turning-ordinary-into-extraordinary.html
http://www.qualityclassrooms.com/language-arts/reading/phonics-cubes-class-set.html
http://www.amazon.com/Smethport-Pocket-Chart-Cards-Word/dp/B002A2L85C/ref=pd_sim_t_5
You could make cards for whatever you are trying to teach, for example for letter recognition make cards with the letters on it. Spread a few out on a table and call out a letter have her slap the correct card. If she is competitive play with her to see who can slap the correct card fastest.
Otherwise you can do an internet search for reading games. I find a lot of great things on pinterest.
Good luck!
Reading eggs has been getting amazing reviews. There is a trial period you could look into to see if it is compatible with her.
Also there are lots of YouTube videos that might interest her also.
And lastly. I recommend high frequency readers to build confidence.
thanks everyone.