Reading to children is a habit in many homes and a fantastic tool to strengthen bonds and instruct them in many topics in a playful way. And how nice it is when they are the ones who start to want to read and we can help them do it. It is not, however, an easy path, which is why there are different methodologies to do it. The Doman method stands out among these as an effective alternative to facilitate the early learning to read. Discover what the Doman method consists of to learn to read and what are the keys to this unique approach
What is the Doman method?
The Doman method, created by American pedagogue Glenn Doman and popularized in the 1960s, is based on the idea that the younger a child is, the easier it is to learn and that, especially during the first six years (a period that he calls 'genesis of genius') that learning capacity It is superior to what you will have for the rest of your life.
Doman determined that the syllabic method was not the most appropriate for learning to read, and created a method based on a series of cards with words from the same category written in large letters and designed as a game, taught and recited to the child three times a day in short periods of time.
It starts from the idea of intelligence bits, basic units of information that the child can understand or comprehend. These must be chosen carefully, initially creating five series of cards that each have 5 words from the same category (fruits, human body, cuisine...). These will be presented briefly, with the adult reading each one aloud and allowing a few seconds to pass between one series and another.
Doman stated that Babies are able to recognize letters and words if these are big enough. Thus, little by little, when you recognize most of the words on the first cards, new categories will be added, always with their five corresponding words. And as you progress, you will reduce some of the font size and add to the game cards with two words, short phrases, slightly longer phrases and, finally, micro-stories, stories that you find interesting.
The keys to the Doman method
We already know what the Doman method consists of. However, just as important as knowing what it is or how we can replicate it, is knowing how to stimulate children correctly and what our role as adults should be for it to be a success. In short, the keys to the success of the Doman method:
The attitude of adults
It is essential to propose reading Like a game, like a desirable activity with which both children and adults have fun. Children at these ages will always be interested in learning and exploring, but they will not do so if they end up associating it with something rigid or that generates frustration. That is why it is important to read the cards with the necessary enthusiasm, with a loud and clear but kind voice and reward the child's attention and attempts to reproduce them.
The duration of the sessions
Another important aspect is the duration of the learning sessions that They should always be short and end before the child expresses that he wants them to end. It is important that the child does not get tired in these sessions so that he associates it with something positive and that way, at some point, he will be the one who demands this game. In that sense, therefore, the sessions must be flexible and adapted to each child.
Custom rhythm
Although the method tells us about five series of five cards, with a short break of a few seconds between series and series, the success of the method is based on adapting it to the learning pace of each child, promoting a individualized learning. Therefore, start with one series and lengthen the sessions as the child feels comfortable up to five. It's okay if you extend them too soon and have to go back, it's about being flexible.
The cards
Choose the material correctly. Nails rigid white cardboard They are the best ally to create the cards that should initially be 15×60 centimeters. In these you must write the words with a marker using the same lowercase font in all of them. To start, use a red marker and letters 10 centimeters high, then switch to black and decrease the size of the letters slightly.
La celebración
During the first sessions (three to five each day) the ideal is present the words to the child for 8-10 seconds and tell him what it says and then remove the card and wait a minute before repeating the process with the second word in the series. Thus, until completing the fifth and congratulating the child if he has remained attentive.
Once we have introduced the second and third series, it will also be interesting to ask the child by showing him a card what is that?. If the child answers what she is in 10 seconds, he will show joy and will be congratulated, even physically through hugs. If she does not say the word or makes a mistake, in a happy tone that does not imply disappointment, she will be told something like “this is X, right?”
Remember that at all times the Doman method for learning to read must be considered as a game and that we must not force children in order for them to learn before the rest or at a certain age. The important thing is to spend time with them.