Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 years old too young to learn to read?
The short answer - no. At this age we are simply INTRODUCING children to reading. This means that our lessons start off as verbal before we introduce the letters. We listen for the first sounds in words, we blend out loud, we clap syllables etc. We only explore physical letters later in the year, once phonological awareness has been mastered.
How long are your lessons?
Our lessons are 45 minutes to an hour long, depending on the age and needs of the group. For struggling readers our lessons are an hour long and for younger children we have a 45 minute session. During these lessons, especially for the younger children, there are various activities that allow for movement and brain breaks.
How long will it take for a child to learn to read?
Each child is different. We have taught children whose first language is not English and we teach children who struggle with reading even though they are of school-going age. Children learn at various paces and we will be able to gauge once a child has been assessed with us. The ideal time for children who start at the age of 3-years-old is 3 years. By the time they complete Grade R they should be fluent in reading. For older children it usually takes at least 1 year to master blending.
What is the age category that you teach?
Our programme is aimed at children between the ages of 3-years-old and 6-years-old. However, we also teach school-going-aged children who struggle to read. The programme is versatile enough to be adapted to any age necessary. It fills in all the cracks and gaps to ensure that children have a solid foundation.
After children complete the Guided Reading
Programme, what should we do?
Once children have completed our programme they should be able to read fluently and independently. We would suggest that they continue with the daily reading slot of fifteen minutes, followed by a very casual chat with about what they have read. It is important to stay involved and engaged when it comes to children's reading.
Why should we choose The Reading Tree?
81% of South African grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. This program has children as young as 4-years-old reading with comprehension. Not only do our 4-year-olds read with understanding, but our 6-year-old's read in a fluent, animated way. Our readers who used to struggle are now explaining the WHY of words to their teachers and classmates. THIS PROGRAM WORKS. It has worked for children in China & South Korea who were learning English as a second language and it works for children here, on home soil who have been failed by the system.