Tried "My baby can read"?

bridetobe52006

Have you heard of "my baby can read?" it's on tv all of the time...have any of you tried it? Does it really work? Just wondering...

dragon_chica

I haven't tried it and from what I've seen on TV I would NEVER try it.  As a parent and teacher I would never recommend a program that seems to promote rote memorization and that tout it as teaching your child to read.  Teaching your child to read means teaching them the letter sounds and how to properly blend words.  The only rote memorization you should have your child do is with high-frequency (sight) words because those words typically cannot be sounded out (i.e. the.) 

The best thing you can do for your child right now is to continue to read to him/her as well as provide a text-rich environment.  Provide lots of books, constantly read signs and labels and anything else you come across.  Teach by example, read the newspaper, read a book, read anything.  Point out letters and talk about the different sounds they make.  Continue to build their vocabulary by pointing out different things and objects.  Too many parents spend too much time telling their children what to do and what not to do instead of just having a normal conversation with them.  If you spend more time talking to your child about how the hot sun feels on their face or how furry the rabbit looks and feels that would do more for your child than the trendy programs that are out there to get parents in a frenzy about putting their child ahead of other kids.

emiliemadison

Your baby CANT read. Your baby isnt SUPPOSED to read. He's a baby. The only purpose a video flash card program like this has is to make parents feel good about supposedly giving their child an educational boost; which it doesnt actually do. Not only is it a waste of money because the "theory" is something you could do for free, but why are people in such a rush to make their BABIES read? Save your money and read your child a book.

heather121184

My in-laws got it for my daughter when they came to visit (at no request of mine). From seeing the videos it is interesting for the kids on it and the animals and songs. I don't expect it to teach my daughter to read and we don't watch it everyday (the program recommends twice a day!) but I put it on occasionally while I am fixing dinner or something. It doesn't have distracting commercials like the preschool tv channels so that is a plus I guess.

On the topic of it actually working I do have to say a few things. The program seems like a memorization program but that is if you just sit your kid in front of it and do nothing else to stimulate them. When teaching any child to read (and I am not saying one should have the goal of teaching a baby to read), one needs to have a balanced appraoch. While the presentation of whole language (words) and word meaning are good parts, one also needs to include phonics instruction (how language sounds in parts and in whole) and other types of instruction that together will form a complete curriculum. The National Reading Panel did a very in-depth study on all types of reading instruction (whole-language, meaning, phonics, etc.) and they also admit that a balanced approach is the best way to go. (For reference, here is the study: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/nrp/findings.cfm)

So when you do decide to start teaching your child to read keep that in mind

GingerCupcake

*Runs screaming from this thread*

mhathorne

My FIL sent it to us. I am an English teacher, and I even consider him a nauseatingly voracious reader, so he was tres excited. We started about two months ago but don't do it the recommended length--like PP said, it says twice a day, which I already knew I would not do. We figured that it couldn't hurt, and I still believe that.

Well, my goal isn't really to have her reading at this point so much as it is introducing her to words/pictures/songs that she'll hear/use frequently. For example, some cards say "arms up" or "wave". After we exposed her to these at least once a day fora couple of weeks, she began to do them and hasn't regressed. That said, you can write these things on your own paper and do it, if you were to want to. You would just be missing the videos, etc. but would have the gist of the program.

Basically, it helps me to help her more regularly b/c she appears to enjoy looking at the pics, etc. You could try it, but if you decide against it, I think you should feel confident reading books to her. I hear the program is expensive.

bridetobe52006

LOL!!! You all are crazy! LOL my husband and I totally agree with you guys. I don't promote setting my child in front of a tv for hours....I didn't think it would work that's why I asked. I am on the same page as you all.... thanks for your advice...;)