7 reading tips for parents of preschoolers.
Photo by Gautam Arora on Unsplash
Reading is the first step for anybody who’s about to start their learning journey. It is undoubtedly the key to gaining knowledge and understanding the world around us. In the case of children aging from three to five years old, the sooner they develop their reading skills, the better they thrive in their education.
It is vital to know that literacy does not only begin at schools; the preschool stage can have a significant influence. The early years are considered crucial for children, it’s when they learn to distinguish letters and match them with their sounds to form words and store their definitions in mind. Here is a list of 7 reading tips for parents of preschoolers.
Start with the basic
Reading is first and foremost a language skill, but before you let your child read, pre-reading skills should come as a priority. Such skills essentially include learning the letters and how to differentiate between them, being aware of phonology and pronunciation, and acquiring the ability to describe things and events. Notably, vocabulary skills- knowing how to name things- are at the forefront of the reading process. It is also important to show your preschoolers the right way to hold a book and how to follow the direction of pages. You can use their fingers to help them read properly.
Take advantage of technology
In these modern days, your child may often play on a smartphone while, at the same age, you used to build Lego houses and solved puzzles. Engaging your child is a hard task, especially when it comes to reading and learning. Thriving at reading in the kindergarten stage will indeed give them a vital boost later in school. If your children face difficulties and obstacles, you can help them by checking a reading head start review, which is available as an app and e-book. As parents, with enough research, you will acquire the skills necessary to encourage and support your kid’s ability to read.
Read together daily
By starting with simple and adventurous bed-time stories, you can make the experience more engaging by involving your child in the reading process more often. Remember that the more books you read with your child, the more developed their minds become. Generate a loving and warm atmosphere where you can read, listen, and talk to each other in tender and patient discussions.
Go for books with pictures
Children, especially at a very young age, are very visual. So your first attempts to make them try to read may not be as fruitful if picture books are not involved. The illustrations in a picture book help kids understand the things they read, enabling new readers to figure out stories. In case children are facing trouble with words, the simple or detailed illustrations will then aid them in understanding the tale. This will benefit and increase their comprehension.
Play games and do activities
As kids naturally love to play and explore the world, games, activities, and entertainment aimed at enriching, their range of vocabulary is vital for them. “Simon says”, “I Spy”, and Pictionary are some of the most popular examples of fun games that can boost your children’s ability to understand words. Because kids like to feel important, you can give your kid a mission to find a word that rhymes with another word you say; of course, you may help them with hints.
Draw attention to print everywhere
A beneficial and highly effective way of learning new vocabulary is by pointing out things in the real world. When you go out with your family, try to mention the names of the things you may see, such as in the supermarket, the park, and the mall. Ask your children if they can name anything they see in the grocery store, for instance.
Motivate your child
It is better to often give due appreciation after your reading sessions with your child. Besides, giving small but significant rewards and prizes after games and activities leave a positive effect and encourage children to do more. Express your joy when reading with your child; this can also make them feel accomplished.
Acquiring language skills is an essential part of every child’s cognitive development. When your toddler reaches preschool age, you’ll want them to start taking the first steps towards reading. But making the reading experience fun is as important as the learning process itself. Remember, patience is key, and with regular practice, interesting activities, and relevant intellectual games, your child can be an excellent reader at an early age.