How to Teach Your Baby How to Use a Walker

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· 617 ratings · 83 reviews

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Nov 11, 2009 Pete rated it it was amazing

To ANYONE who wants their kids to grow up with super reading skills...this is it. Scientifically created by a brain researcher. The original was published way back in the 60's (or maybe 50's). I used it to teach both my kids to read, starting at 18 months. That's right, months. Both learned to read by 3, and my son had read all the early grade school books by 4. We couldn't find enough with big print. By 5 he was through most of the middle school books.

I measured his reading speed (better than

I measured his reading speed (better than 3000 words per minute for most books). He doesn't remember ever not knowing how to read, and reads WORDS by sight, rather than speaking them in his head the way I do (subvocalizing). He remembers what he reads far better than others.

Many folks are resistant to teaching little ones "too early." I notice they don't hold back on things like talking (although many teach sign language). The author answers this objection well. I CAN tell you that a kid that knows more than many of his teachers in grade school can be a challenge...a wonderful challenge.

It would be malpractice for parents to not read this one and at least see how it works...

BTW, it says it was 1st published in 1975...but there was an earlier edition. We have it in our family, my Mother discovered it, and said: "I wish I'd known about this when raising my family! You all would have had the advantage of speed reading from the earliest times...I just didn't know it was possible!"

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Jul 08, 2009 Cheryl rated it really liked it

Every parent should read all of Doman's books. Even if you don't agree with 100% of his methods, you will learn how important it is to take advantage of the child's early years when their mind is like a sponge. Every parent should read all of Doman's books. Even if you don't agree with 100% of his methods, you will learn how important it is to take advantage of the child's early years when their mind is like a sponge. ...more

Interesting idea. The basic premise is that reading is a natural brain function, just like learning to understand spoken language. According to the authors, kids don't learn to read earlier on their own because generally print is too small for their underdeveloped vision. Apparently the method described in the book (using very large, bold flashcards) has worked for thousands of families, and I plan to start trying it with Isobel within the next few months.
That said, the writing was poor, and the Interesting idea. The basic premise is that reading is a natural brain function, just like learning to understand spoken language. According to the authors, kids don't learn to read earlier on their own because generally print is too small for their underdeveloped vision. Apparently the method described in the book (using very large, bold flashcards) has worked for thousands of families, and I plan to start trying it with Isobel within the next few months.
That said, the writing was poor, and the material dated. It was first written in 1963 and there are some things that should be updated. For example, the author spends way too much time harping on the evils of playpens, when I don't think playpens are really popular anymore at all (except as a sleep space). Also, I get annoyed with parenting manuals that are loaded with impassioned calls to action. "Very young children can and SHOULD learn to read!" Oh blah. Obviously I'm already willing to believe that idea if I'm going to the trouble of reading this poorly-written book.
I read this book for the idea and the method, though, not for the writing. So it still gets 3 stars. ...more

The most WONDERFUL experience in life is teaching your 2-year old how to read, and watching her LOVE to read, really read books, at age 3. Sure, it will make your baby much more intelligent, but just as important, you will have such sweet memories of those special times with your child cuddled on your lap, reading aloud to you.

Nov 11, 2008 Valerie rated it it was amazing

Reading this book changed my perception of babies and their potential. They are capable of so much, and I appreciated being able to feel like I was really teaching them rather than just waiting for them to grow out of the cute "blob" stage. I've applied these ideas of teaching babies from all the books the Domans have written, and had my children reading at age 3, learning to speak by reading (my autistic son), recognizing a "giant walkingstick" in a natural history museum (even though he was so Reading this book changed my perception of babies and their potential. They are capable of so much, and I appreciated being able to feel like I was really teaching them rather than just waiting for them to grow out of the cute "blob" stage. I've applied these ideas of teaching babies from all the books the Domans have written, and had my children reading at age 3, learning to speak by reading (my autistic son), recognizing a "giant walkingstick" in a natural history museum (even though he was so young he didn't have a very large vocabulary)--this flashcard system works.

Note that the Domans advise lots of repetitions of the flashcards. I haven't been as consistent as they suggest, I've used white cardstock instead of posterboard, and I have still had the fabulous results they explain as possible. Remember that every little bit you do helps teach your child. I also liked to do the flashcards right before a nap or bed--it seemed to me that their minds worked on it while they were asleep because they seemed to catch on even faster that way.

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I'm definitely intrigued by the idea, and I desperately want to try it...and yet I'm hesitant. I agree with the author that young children soak up knowledge with an unfathomable rapidity, so I think my son would love it. I'm just nervous because there is no phonics involved whatsoever...the child is taught solely through sight words, which gets to be a LOT of words on cards! My concern is that he will learn to read and yet be missing some of the most basic tools he needs to continue learning on I'm definitely intrigued by the idea, and I desperately want to try it...and yet I'm hesitant. I agree with the author that young children soak up knowledge with an unfathomable rapidity, so I think my son would love it. I'm just nervous because there is no phonics involved whatsoever...the child is taught solely through sight words, which gets to be a LOT of words on cards! My concern is that he will learn to read and yet be missing some of the most basic tools he needs to continue learning on his own. He can't come to me for the rest of his life and ask, "What word is this?"

The author vaguely addresses this question in the book, but he just makes a blanket statement, basically saying, "Your child will thank you for just teaching him to read and not boring him with phonics." I was frustrated throughout the book with many statements such as this one...lots of generalizations and anecdotal evidence but almost no reputable research.

I did read the updated edition (2002), but the book still seemed dated and definitely had a 1960's flavor to it.

I'm still undecided as to what I will do. It really was an easy and enjoyable read, and I would love to have something structured to do with my son this next year. I would welcome any thoughts anyone has on this or other reading methods.

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I was given "How to Teach Your Baby to Read" a while back. It's been lying around, so yesterday I thought I'd give it a read.

I like the idea behind the title. Upon reading the book, I found that Doman's methodology presents a couple ideas that I might try with my kids. But overall, I found this book disappointing and frustrating from a linguistics standpoint.

For the majority of the text, Doman makes claims supported almost entirely through the aid of case-study and testimonial-style examples co

I was given "How to Teach Your Baby to Read" a while back. It's been lying around, so yesterday I thought I'd give it a read.

For the majority of the text, Doman makes claims supported almost entirely through the aid of case-study and testimonial-style examples complemented with homespun wisdom. He does not SPECIFICALLY refer to, comment on, or engage with what others scholars are saying or doing in this area.

Furthermore, Doman's views on language acquisition and language in general are antiquated or just outright incorrect in light of current linguistic study. As Doman's views on language and language acquisition provide part of the foundation for his methodology, I find it troubling that he relies upon outdated information to support a number of points. As such, I couldn't give the book a higher rating.

Nonetheless, if you want to experiment with Doman's method, just read the last 40 pages of the book.

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Sep 22, 2008 Jen rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: anyone who hangs out with children!

I love, love, love this book. My 4 year old is reading everything he see's now, and my 1 year old is trying too. This will be my new gift for all new parents. I love, love, love this book. My 4 year old is reading everything he see's now, and my 1 year old is trying too. This will be my new gift for all new parents. ...more

May 31, 2020 Casey Gardner rated it really liked it

Great system to teach toddler to read. My only complaint is that the system assumes 'the mother' will teach child. Great system to teach toddler to read. My only complaint is that the system assumes 'the mother' will teach child. ...more

I haven't actually read this book cover to cover. However, my mother used this method to teach me to read when I was two. She did say that she would never have continued the flash card system with me if I hated it. My grandmother, an experienced school teacher, did not believe that I could read at 2 - until I read her a picture book. It doesn't always teach phonetics - for example, I had a real interest in history and the ancient Egyptians as a child, but had no idea how to pronounce "Pharaoh". I haven't actually read this book cover to cover. However, my mother used this method to teach me to read when I was two. She did say that she would never have continued the flash card system with me if I hated it. My grandmother, an experienced school teacher, did not believe that I could read at 2 - until I read her a picture book. It doesn't always teach phonetics - for example, I had a real interest in history and the ancient Egyptians as a child, but had no idea how to pronounce "Pharaoh". ...more

Aug 12, 2007 Paul rated it really liked it

According to this book, little children (0-5 years old) are more intelligent and capable of learning than previously imagined. After it is understood that they have a huge amount of curiosity about the world around them, the authors strongly recommend enriching a child's environment by teaching them to read.

The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (the group behind this book) was begun to see if it was possible to teach brain-damaged children to read. In this case, "brain-damaged" m

The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (the group behind this book) was begun to see if it was possible to teach brain-damaged children to read. In this case, "brain-damaged" means children whose brains were normal at conception, but were damaged through injury or disease. After discovering that the answer to their question was a resounding Yes, the same method was tried on well children, with the same result.

For the average child, being able to explore their world, through crawling or walking, is vital to their development, so sticking them in a playpen with a bunch of toys, while understandable, is a bad idea. There is no "wrong" way to teach a child to read; the authors present their method, which involves writing words on flashcards in very large and bold print, and showing them to the child several times a day, for a few seconds at a time. It is never too early to start, even with children less than 1 year old. Do not be concerned if you cannot go "all the way" in teaching your child to read; even partial progress will help your child in the long run. Most importantly, the process should be joyous, and never a chore, for parent and child. If either one is cranky, or having a bad day, save the words for another day.

This is an excellent book. Written for parents, it is very easy to understand, and shows that it is never too early to expose your child to the world of reading. It was also first published in the 1960s, so they must be doing something right. It is very much recommended.

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Dec 30, 2014 Katlego ISIS rated it it was amazing

I just completed how to teach your baby to read by Glenn Doman and Janet Doman.
This is truly an amazing book on the leading edge of thought, to know and believe that our tiny babies can be taught to read from as little as day one is just outstanding.
This book outlines the methods ,procedures to be followed step by step, the do's and dont's , how the babies brain is wired at different stages of development and growth and mostly it's never to late to teach you baby to read from 0-72months is the I just completed how to teach your baby to read by Glenn Doman and Janet Doman.
This is truly an amazing book on the leading edge of thought, to know and believe that our tiny babies can be taught to read from as little as day one is just outstanding.
This book outlines the methods ,procedures to be followed step by step, the do's and dont's , how the babies brain is wired at different stages of development and growth and mostly it's never to late to teach you baby to read from 0-72months is the optimal time.
Give your child the greatest gift to learn and have a magical bond with father and mother.
Parents who have done this course many eons ago have the most amazing stories to share about the kids who are now adults or just completing school and the journeys as kids who had the "advantage" of reading or learning math easily.
For the skeptic or those who think that kids hate learning and that its to much for the child - don't underestimate your child's ability , read with an open mind and heart don't let this treasure pass due to what you think is right or what you know.
I feel blessed to have come across these books the future has never looked brighter for my son.
Lots of work and dedication however from what I have read it becomes a joyous process with dividends that are worth more than gold.
Here here to the Institutes of Achievement of Human potential ...more

Aug 01, 2010 Marcus rated it really liked it

A large part of the book is spent explaining whether and why anyone would want to teach their baby to read. Will it HURT them? Will it RETARD their growth? Will it OVER-PRESSURE them? Etc. If you're already convinced that teaching your baby to read isn't going to mortally wound their infant souls then you'll be happy to have your intuition confirmed by data, and you can then proceed to skim the first 100 pages

The rest of the book gives a system for creating cards and starting to expose the baby

The rest of the book gives a system for creating cards and starting to expose the baby to words until he or she can read. Treating reading like a game and doing it in small doses seems to work, as evidenced by the numerous testimonials towards the end of the book.

In this, the 21st century when we are amazed and privileged to live in the presence of devices such as the iPad and the iPhone there is, naturally, an app for that. Actually there are several. Dozens even. I chose "My First Words" which seems to have been designed by someone familiar with this book. So far, baby likes learning to read. Loves it. Is enthralled by it, and shows no signs of emotional or physical distress.

Check it out. Along with the app it makes teaching the little people the ways of the book easy and, as I mentioned, fun.

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Jun 20, 2012 Jessica rated it liked it

Glenn Doman's advice on teaching a baby to read is both refreshingly straightforward and precise (down to the number of inches tall your letters should be and what color of felt tip marker you ought to use to make them). While not all of these injunctions seem proven or perhaps necessary to the working of this plan, they are what worked for Doman and so he relates them. It is nice that he put the pragmatic portions of the book separate from the philosophical because it makes turning back to it w Glenn Doman's advice on teaching a baby to read is both refreshingly straightforward and precise (down to the number of inches tall your letters should be and what color of felt tip marker you ought to use to make them). While not all of these injunctions seem proven or perhaps necessary to the working of this plan, they are what worked for Doman and so he relates them. It is nice that he put the pragmatic portions of the book separate from the philosophical because it makes turning back to it while actually trying to implement this plan much easier than searching through chapters of philosophical argument to find the snippets of practical advice like so many other books about child education tend to do. ...more

Aug 28, 2015 La La rated it it was amazing

I taught my son to read at the age of two with another edition of this book. It had instructions on how to make flash cards using a wide red felt tip marker and the backside of large index cards; both of which I purchased at a dollar store. The book also gave word progression suggestions and augmentation schedules. I made my own additions to the teaching method using the BOB Books, and a few Dr. Seuss books; like Go Dog Go, One Fish Two Fish, and Hop on Pop. I know the current versions have all I taught my son to read at the age of two with another edition of this book. It had instructions on how to make flash cards using a wide red felt tip marker and the backside of large index cards; both of which I purchased at a dollar store. The book also gave word progression suggestions and augmentation schedules. I made my own additions to the teaching method using the BOB Books, and a few Dr. Seuss books; like Go Dog Go, One Fish Two Fish, and Hop on Pop. I know the current versions have all sorts of pre-made flash cards and books to use with their method, but you really don't need to purchase them. ...more

Jan 28, 2010 Amy rated it liked it

An easy read and a great concept with convincing arguments and testimonials. I sent away for my reading cards immediately! Just started teaching him last week and already my 2.5-year-old is reading a couple of words. I was most intrigued by the chicken and egg question presented by the authors about so many early readers entering gifted programs. Did they read early because they were gifted or did they excel (and thereby acquire the gifted label becuase they read early????)

Jun 03, 2009 Christine rated it it was amazing

I read this book 6 year ago and teach my son right away. It worked! My son can read since he was 2.5 y o, and since that day he loves to read and write stories and poems.

If I only read one parenting book all my life- or just one series- this would be the one I picked. I have so much faith that this is the real thing. My order for supplies is in the mail as we speak. Reading doesn't just expand the mind, or open doors of opportunity for success in the future, it also builds emotional intelligence and comforts the soul and strengthens the relationship between parent and child during the learning process. There are so many wonderful benefits to a child learning to If I only read one parenting book all my life- or just one series- this would be the one I picked. I have so much faith that this is the real thing. My order for supplies is in the mail as we speak. Reading doesn't just expand the mind, or open doors of opportunity for success in the future, it also builds emotional intelligence and comforts the soul and strengthens the relationship between parent and child during the learning process. There are so many wonderful benefits to a child learning to read early. My oldest is newly six and my youngest (whom the program is for) is 21 months. I expect her to be 22 months by the time I receive my materials and can begin. Assuming this succeeds as I imagine it will (because I am rather determined and not completely dense; I also pray a lot), I think my biggest regret when my children are grown might be that I didn't stumble upon this idea (or book) when my oldest was still an infant. I already started recommending it to anyone with a baby before I finished the book. Call me crazy, but I can't help but feel intuitively enthusiastic that I found a real gem here 💎 and it doesn't matter one bit if anyone else calls my gem a rock. I might not ever get around to updating this, but do your baby a favor and just give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. ...more

Sep 04, 2021 Tia rated it liked it

I like Doman's premise, but not his exercise of his. His premise is: babies are constantly trying to learn, and they are capable of learning complex concepts; so don't hesitate to tell them "that dog is a poodle" rather than just saying "that's a dog." However, I didn't like his practice of drilling babies with notecards, which teaches babies that the way to learn is to sit in a drill. As Magda Gerber famously said, "Be careful what you teach. It might interfere with what they are learning." I like Doman's premise, but not his exercise of his. His premise is: babies are constantly trying to learn, and they are capable of learning complex concepts; so don't hesitate to tell them "that dog is a poodle" rather than just saying "that's a dog." However, I didn't like his practice of drilling babies with notecards, which teaches babies that the way to learn is to sit in a drill. As Magda Gerber famously said, "Be careful what you teach. It might interfere with what they are learning." ...more

Jun 25, 2020 Niharika rated it it was amazing

I always knew that babies learn different languages at a speed adults cant even imagine. They learn just by listening to it.
If they can learn to speak they can learn to read also. This book talks about all the angles related to teaching your baby to read. Learning to read is the greatest gift for a baby.

Teaches baby to read words by sight with very tall thick letters. Short activity to do with the baby each day. May take quite a bit of work to make all the sight cards.
It explains process well.
Seems fine, but doesn't teach baby phonics. Will have to memorise every word it comes across. Teaches baby to read words by sight with very tall thick letters. Short activity to do with the baby each day. May take quite a bit of work to make all the sight cards.
It explains process well.
Seems fine, but doesn't teach baby phonics. Will have to memorise every word it comes across. ...more

Dec 16, 2016 Susan Austin rated it it was amazing

A perspective-changer on brain growth, how language is learnt and how much children can take in during the early years. Inspiring.

I will apply Glen Doman when I have a child. It's amazing work. I will apply Glen Doman when I have a child. It's amazing work. ...more

The brain is so fascinating. Whether or not you have an interest in actually teaching your baby or young child to read, the research behind it is a very interesting read.

Very in depth. I rented it from the library, but I have to buy this one. Really good.

Dec 17, 2019 Roberto rated it it was amazing

A must read book for parents who wants to apply early childhood education at home.

Feb 01, 2020 Neha Tamhane rated it really liked it

Although there is a lot of content repeated throughout the book, the process of teaching to read is clearly defined. Will put this to use in a couple of months and include that in my review later.

Jun 08, 2020 Margaret rated it it was amazing

I can't wait to use this method to teach my future baby. And see if this method is really effective. I can't wait to use this method to teach my future baby. And see if this method is really effective. ...more

Why wait to give them the gift of reading?

GLENN DOMAN is the founder of The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential to which parents from every continent have been finding their way for more than a half of a century. He and The Institutes are famous for their pioneering work with brain-injured children and for their work in early development for well children.

In addition to dealing intimately with more than twenty thousand fami

In addition to dealing intimately with more than twenty thousand families over the last fifty years, he has strongly influenced millions of families through the book What To Do About Your Brain-Injured Child and the creation of the groundbreaking Gentle Revolution Series of books and materials that teach parents how to teach their babies at home.

Glenn Doman has lived with, studied, or worked with children in more than one hundred nations, ranging from the most civilized to the most primitive.

He was distinguished for outstanding heroism in action during World War II and was knighted by the Brazilian government in 1966 for his services to the children of the world.

Glenn Doman is the principle lecturer for the many courses given by The Institutes for the parents of well children and brain-injured children. When he is not lecturing in Philadelphia or around the world, he is nose-to-nose with parents and children, discovering better ways to make hurt kids well and well kids more capable.

from http://www.iahp.org/Glenn-Doman-Found...

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How to Teach Your Baby How to Use a Walker

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How to Teach Your Baby How to Use a Walker

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