Preschoolers love pretending to read. It is a great skill that leads to actual success in reading later. Your child may not be at the point where they pretend to read, but there are many activities to get them the skills necessary to make reading a success.
Here are some activities to make sure that your children are on the right track to successful reading.
Provide print-rich environments
I know this is a million dollar teacher word, but its meaning is quite simple. Have books laying around. Make sure you have books that are high quality kid books at their level. Visit the library and check some out if you are unable to buy copies for your home. While you are at the library, find out about story times as well.
Also keep refrigerator alphabet magnets at the level of the child or encourage play with alphabet blocks. Make sure you change out books as your child grows. Baby books made out of cloth or cardboard are great for babies, but picture books become exciting as they grow.
Point out words
As you go through your daily routine, point out words to your child. It may be while reading a book, or at the store pointing out the names of vegetables or fruits. Point out the school bus and its name. They may not know that the letters are what you are reading, but it helps prepare them to look for clues in their surrounding and that words do exist and what they look like.
Label
Label your child's room or the potty. The kids will start associating words with items.
Writing
Reading and writing go hand and hand. When you go to write your shopping list, let your child write one as well. Pretend writing is a great pre-reading skill and it is fun to pretend together.
Regular reading
Schedule time as part of your routine to read to your baby or child. It could be right before bed every night. Make sure to read the title and author on the cover. Make sure you use excitement in your voice and point to pictures. Also ask questions as you go along or make it personal by relating the story to something personal in your life.
Highlight name
Kids are fascinated by their own name. Make sure to have it available throughout the house. Label their bad, their room. Let them pick out the first letter in their name with the refrigerator magnets. Point out their name often and sing the name game song to them. They will be sure to laugh.
Watch tv
No, not all tv is bad. Watch Sesame Street with your child and learn the letter songs or sing the letter songs that go with LeapFrog. The key is interacting with your child and showing them that letters and words can be fun.
Audio books
Listen to audio books with your children. The great thing about these books is that it can be done in the car, at home or even in the classroom. Make sure to explain the signal to turn the page if you are in the car and let the kids do it by themselves. It helps them to hear written word and respond accordingly.
Make a book
Find some common items and make a book with your child. It could be their very own alphabet book. Be sure to let them color, glue, decorate, etc. When they are through, they will love reading it since they made it by their self.
These are just a few activities. As a teacher, I can not stress the importance of starting at birth getting your child prepared to read. However, refrain from drills. It should be a fun experience. Choose games and songs and the activities highlighted above. You will enjoy the extra bonding time together.
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