Can you teach the kids of illiterate parents some very basic sight words, letter?

Question

tracing using sandpaper letters, and teaching simple words (cat, mat) to small (3) groups of pre-K students during naptime, after a full day of normal pre-K activities? This would be enrichment only and enjoyable for the kids at all times. Of course there would be some selection, obviously some kids just wouldn't benefit, but others would. What do you think the research says about doing something like this?

I am becoming a pre-K teacher because I want to do this. However, I am subbing in a classroom with a very intelligent older teacher who taught 1st grade for 17 years. she filled my ears yesterday with negatives about doing this, and has made me a bit insecure. I was going to tackle it anyway, but she is one of those self-assured types and probably smarter than I am and does have an impressive record.

I had the book Teach your Preschooler to Read by Donald Emery (out of print now, I fear). I didn't use it, but I used the concept and my 4 yr old son and I "played" by reading the

Answer 1

Make the effort to teach these kids. We're all products of our enviornment. Even though these children aren't getting the education and family structure they need at  home, you need  to expose them to everything you can to help them become productive and  self sufficient. Good luck.

Answer 2

I absolutely agree with you!  Kids can do both at the same time.  I worked with two and three year olds this way, and when I tell you my 2's could read words I'm being completely honest!  the sand paper tracing is a concept used in a lot of Montessori Preschools and it's a great technique.  By getting them to recognize the letters they can eventually recognize words.  For instance, work with them on a certain letter, say, D.  Only work with D for awhile, and when they can name it when you point to it make a poster board with 2 simple words like dog and cat.  Put the pictures next to the words and ask if they can find a word with D in it.  There will only be two words and one with D so they should be able to find it!  When they do Point to the D, sound the word out and emphasize the D.  Use the same words for about a week and then move to another letter, just constantly keep going over the words you've done before.  This is one technique I've used in my twos class and before I knew it kids were coming up to me pointing at certain words in a sentace and reading them.  As you know, this won't work for young twos, but it is fun and will really help your older twos and others!  Don't let the other teacher hold you back, you have a great idea that's in the best intrest of those kids, let us know how it goes!