I just saw what I thought was the most ridiculous commercial for a product that teaches babies to read. Then I wondered how many people feel the same way I do (that babies should be allowed to be babies) or if there are some of you out there that think teaching toddlers to read will be beneficial to our society as a whole.

I'd say let's keep um retarded and draw a check for um.

My oldest was reading when she was three and it didn't mess her up none.

I was read to and taught to read at a very early age. I have had a life long love of books, and I think it helped me develop verbal and writing skills.

Anything that can help your kid get a head start as long as you still let them enjoy being a kid is a good thing.

FlyinSquirrel wrote:

I'd say let's keep um retarded and draw a check for um.

Shhhhh, adults are talking.

Rational Thought wrote:

I was read to and taught to read at a very early age. I have had a life long love of books, and I think it helped me develop verbal and writing skills.
Anything that can help your kid get a head start as long as you still let them enjoy being a kid is a good thing.

I agree with you. I could read before I started kindergarten, and I know that being read to as a child played a big part in that. I also got plenty of fresh air and sunshine. I guess that was my point. Where does the balance lie?

Take A Stand Grandma wrote:

<quoted text>
Shhhhh, adults are talking.

LOL..that's what I was thinking sis.

You bytches won't give up a fight and be damned after the way I've been treated thatb I'm going to back down. To he!! with you,you don't own this sight! Why not take your pitiful dog and leave? Sis, all that hot mess is sickening too. Gang up on me, well I have a higher power on my side, I've told you before. God knows the truth.

Take A Stand Grandma wrote:

<quoted text>
Shhhhh, adults are talking.

L.M.A.O!

Rational Thought said it exactly as I think. I was not only reading, but spelling by the time I was 5 and hit first grade. My Dad played school with me (because he loved to read) and I just picked it up easily I guess. I was a precocious little turkey and I'm sure, a royal pain in the butt back then. lol Graduated from high school at 16 and I still have a life-long love of reading books. I think it is so important. Not to hammer toddlers and INSIST that they learn, but of course, reading to your kids teaches them early word skills, plus it gives you one-on-one time with your kids. But do I think you should ride little kids' butts about learning? No!

I came to my love of reading a bit later. I learned to read easily enough, but I was more interested in music. It wasn't until I caught the theater bug that I started to really appreciate the beauty of the written word and to read and write poetry.

By the time I had kids of my own, though, my greatest joy was to read to them, giving each character a distinctive voice, accent, and rhythmic style. I read them the poems of Robert Louis Stevenson along with the standard fare of classic fairy tales and children's books.

As a result, the TV stayed off more than on because my daughters preferred to read good books than watch the vapid assortment of shows that were usually on. Now they all have higher degrees and, more importantly, are happy people who lead culturally rich lives.

Teaching children to read is laudable, but reading to them is absolutely essential.

FlyinSquirrel wrote:

My oldest was reading when she was three and it didn't mess her up none.

Why that young? Did she feel sorry no one else would read to you?

Hey SS!!!! WB!!!!

I think it depends. I know my son is right on track with his reading. If I had the choice to go back and teach him to read earlier...maybe. I've seen the commercial that you're speaking of and a 2 yr. old reading I think is a bit much, BUT also if they take to is easily then maybe it's fine but it is definately not something that should be forced upon them that early.

FlyinSquirrel wrote:

You bytches won't give up a fight and be damned after the way I've been treated thatb I'm going to back down. To he!! with you,you don't own this sight! Why not take your pitiful dog and leave? Sis, all that hot mess is sickening too. Gang up on me, well I have a higher power on my side, I've told you before. God knows the truth.

Tsk Tsk Tsk....watch the language little one.

60 Gunner wrote:

<quoted text>L.M.A.O!

:)

Minuteman wrote:

<quoted text>Why that young? Did she feel sorry no one else would read to you?

LOL!!!

I agree with you Night Serf... along with reading, I think music is ESSENTIAL to a child's development. I also think they go hand in hand. I've always sang to my kids and grandkids and teach them to sing along as soon as they can start trying to say words.. If you can cultivate the love of a musical instrument as well, that is real gravy.

My older son was picking out words at 18 months. At 2 and a half, he would read the cereal boxes when we went grocery shopping. I did help him learn to read, because HE wanted to learn to read.

My younger son, while he loved being read to, didn't show an interest in learning to read and I didn't force it upon him.

Both boys are in their thirties now, both are highly intelligent and both enjoy reading.

I your child wants to learn - by all means, help him or her learn. If you cram it down their throats they might wind up hating books.

FlyinSquirrel wrote:

You bytches won't give up a fight and be damned after the way I've been treated thatb I'm going to back down. To he!! with you,you don't own this sight! Why not take your pitiful dog and leave? Sis, all that hot mess is sickening too. Gang up on me, well I have a higher power on my side, I've told you before. God knows the truth.

Yes He does, and you should be worried about that. Stop acting like you've done nothing wrong and everyone is just picking on you, just for the heck of it. Maybe instead of me leaving you should just grow up.

FlyinSquirrel wrote:

You bytches won't give up a fight and be damned after the way I've been treated thatb I'm going to back down. To he!! with you,you don't own this sight! Why not take your pitiful dog and leave? Sis, all that hot mess is sickening too. Gang up on me, well I have a higher power on my side, I've told you before. God knows the truth.

geesh! really! Never fails. Never.