Reading

As a preschool teacher and a mom, I have had lots of opportunities to see lots of kids with lots of different backgrounds but one thing remains the same.  If your child is able to read, loves to read (or tolerates it, let’s be honest) life will be much brighter for them.  There are so many easy things you can do that will help facilitate life filled with learning.  Here are just a few:

Surround them with print rich materials

Books, signs, letters, cards, magazines, business cards, mailer ads anything with words on them.

Give them a place to read, write quietly

Fort, cushions, blankets, a flashlight, pencils, paper.  Take a trip to the library.

Letters, Letters, Everywhere!

Identify letters, wherever you go.  Encourage them to point out any letters in their name (on a menu, in a book . . . wherever!), Magnetic letters for the car or at home.  Go on a letter scavenger hunt – anywhere – even in the grocery line! (Show them a letter that you want them to find and see if they can do it in the candy, cereal or dairy section of the grocery store) Read signs, Brands.

Make Time Every day to Read Together

Whether it’s before bed or after nap or when you are waiting to pick up their sibling in the car at school.  Make time.  It makes a difference when you read to your child every day!   Make time for your child to see you read the printed word.  Newspapers, magazines, books, whatever! Take the time.