REMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE VERY YOUNG

Between the ages of 4 and 7, many children begin to recognize words on a page. In our society this may begin with recognition of a logo for a fast food chain or the brand name of a favorite cereal. But, before long, that special moment when a child holds a book and starts to decode the mystery of written words is likely to occur.

You can help remove part of the mystery without worrying about a lot of theory. Just read the stories and poems and let them work their wonders. There is no better way to prepare your child for that moment when reading starts to "click," even if it's years down the road.

It will help, however, if we open our eyes to some things adult readers tend to take for granted. It's easier to be patient when we remember how much children do not know. Here are a few concepts we adults know so well we forget sometimes we ever learned them.

* There's a difference between words and pictures. Point to the print as you read aloud.

* Words on a page have meaning, and that is what we learn to read.

* Words go across the page from left to right. Follow with your finger as you read.

* Words on a page are made up of letters and are separated by a space.

* Each letter has at least two forms: one for capital letters and one for small letters.

Imagine how you would feel if you were trying to interpret a book full of hieroglyphic symbols. That's how young readers feel. But, a little patience (maybe by turning it into a puzzle you can solve together) is certain to build confidence.