Learning to Read or Reading to Learn- What is the difference?
Learning to read can be a difficult process for kids who struggle with reading. The early stages of reading begin when babies first begin to talk. Vocabulary and linking reading with print all serve a purpose in the early years.
All parents are surprised, when your kid recognizes a brand name snack with the word, like saying “Goldfish,” for their favorite cheese cracker.
This is the simplest way to think about reading as a function before kids begin to learn to read patterns.
Reading serves a purpose and is completely functional at this stage. Meaning that your kid gets exactly what they want which is attention, knowledge, and reading is a means to an end.
Then starts reading as practice which is learning to read. It typically involves easier text that kids can master and read independently.
The problem is when your kid has a reading problem. They spend so much time on these easier texts and their interests outgrow their reading ability. The issue with kids that struggle reading is that the practice can take over without a purpose for them.
The key is making sure that the learning to read and reading to learn balance is perfect.
Parents and teachers need to make sure that kids enjoy reading and see it as a function. Reading is a way to gain information. It has so many purposes. Especially entertainment. So learning to read and reading to learn can not be different.