Here is a list of valuable, inspiring, FREE video links we used to learn about early reading for our baby.
This is part of the former Your Baby Can Read! DVD set, currently viewable on YouTube, along with a few other videos. Check your local library for these, keep checking online for free links, or just buy the program.
This program is what helped teach Kai the direction of reading words, drawing associations with sound patterns and images, and learning through repetition. It also taught us the importance of flash cards, parents' active participation, and knowing that early reading IS possible!
This is the "Early Learning Workshop" video that was included in the original Your Baby Can Read! program. Since the program has been re-named, they no longer include this video because it's branded with the old name. So watch it here. It's full of excellent information!
This baby demonstrates how Kai started out—simply being able to identify the written word. If the card said "head," he'd pat his head. If the card said "elephant," he'd make the elephant noise and go grab his elephant. That's how we knew he could identify the written word.
Note: This mom is reading way faster than I would. I like to sound out the words, underline with my finger as I read, and point out letter sounds.
Here is another example of how Kai started off. He knew what the words on the cards meant, and could sign the words he didn't know how to speak yet thanks to teaching him sign language...such a wonderful tool for education, communication, and brain development!
Teaching sign language to babies HELPS speech development (it does not hinder it). When baby starts talking, he/she will have an increased vocabulary from already knowing many words, as you will always speak the word while signing it at the same time. It also decreases tantrums and frustration caused by babies not being able to communicate their needs—because baby WILL be able to communicate with you! Wonderful!
Don't think you have to sign like this guy (he's doing full-on ASL)—you don't, not even close! Baby Sign Language is VERY simple. Seriously, it's just like "milk," "more," "hurt," "poop," "banana," "mommy," etc. But this video highlights the benefits of teaching babies to sign:
- vastly improved reading skills;
- more extensive vocabulary;
- improved creativity and mental development;
- increased intelligence/IQ;
- increased communication, social skills, and general knowledge;
- and more!
While I didn't follow exactly what she did, I did learn a lot about teaching phonics from Jady A. (on YouTube), and her videos inspired me to do homemade flash cards. I laminated mine in the beginning (had to borrow a laminator), but not anymore—I just carry a pack of unruled index cards, and a black permanent marker and pen, in a ziplock bag in my bag. Any time there's an opportunity to learn a word, I pull them out! (e.g., a friend had a harmonica, so I made a "harmonica" card!)
A helpful explanation of how to learn your baby's "signals" that he/she needs to go potty. Very helpful when learning Elimination Communication (Early Potty Training). To me, this is an overall eye-opener that babies DO communicate to us—with signals! Not just for elimination needs, but anything. Check it out... there are more videos on this topic.
This video is instrumentally helpful to a new parent. Babies DO talk to you—just with sounds, not words—prior to developing speech. If you learn to recognize the sounds and respond to them right away, you can avoid crying and tears. For example, a baby might say "neh" for hungry, and if you don't know what that means (and therefore ignore it), it will escalate eventually to crying. So learn what your baby is saying! This is great!
If you can get past this YouTube channel's weird intro and ending, and just focus on the content within, you'll find helpful explanations of each Dunstan Baby Language sound that will aid you in interpreting the difference. For example, the "Neh" sound (which means baby is hungry) is from the baby's sucking reflex kicking in (wanting milky), which pushes the tongue to the roof of the mouth, resulting in the "Neh" sound.
Disclaimer: I'm just a regular parent who was lucky enough to learn that babies can be taught immediately in life to help them achieve early speech, reading, counting, potty training, and more. I am not a licensed expert or professional—just a mom who cares, and wants to help other parents and children by sharing what worked for us. This is just what worked for us, and may not apply to all situations, since every child (and parent) is different, and nobody learns the same way, same speed, nor even has the same interests and experiences.
This site contains affiliate links, but many of the books and videos I discuss can be found free at libraries; many videos on YouTube, Netflix and Amazon; and free games, videos, and printouts like worksheets and flashcards from other educational websites. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases (though I haven't yet, as of 2/2/2023, I pay $200/year for this site, but haven't earned anything from it). This does not affect you in any way should you purchase from a link, and may only provide a small supplement for my family. The original purpose of this site is, and always will be, to share educational information.
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