Creative World Parent Tips: Getting Ready to Read!

You've probably already heard that young minds are like sponges, soaking up everything around them. This is especially true when it comes to language skills - talking and reading. They listen to everything you say in order to make sense of it and talk back to you. Once they can enter the conversation, children can articulate their wants, needs and feelings. This transition often has a huge impact on their emotional states and skills too. 

These early developments are preparation for reading, thinking about more abstract thoughts, out-of-sight things and imagination play. Getting ready to read is crucial. Reading and pre-reading skills, like letter recognition, are fundamental to your child's growth and success in school and life, years beyond preschool. These tips can help you develop your child's language skills at home.

Modeling
Even if you're not a big reader, have books and magazines around. They watch everything you do. Let your child see you reading the newspaper, letters or just for pleasure. 

Engaging
Reading to your child just ten minutes a day can have a huge impact in their life. Not only are you taking that time out to be with him or her, but you are getting them in the habit of making it a part of every day.

Repeating
Sometimes, the Alphabet song is the last thing you want to hear or sing again. But it's worth it. As their young minds learn to develop memory, repetition is key to making sure concepts stick. Read similar books to them, or make sure to read favorites every night. 


Playing
As with everything, learning is more fun if you don't realize you're doing it! Make learning letters and small words fun by playing rhyming games, singing songs or The Alphabet Game while driving around. Flash cards or writing it out in front of them can also help them grasp the concepts.

For more information about how to get your child ready for reading, school and beyond, give The Creative World of Reno Preschool a call!