Reading with Your Preschooler

Not surprisingly, studies have shown that reading out loud to children is probably one of the most significant activities we can do with them. And as parents, when it comes to reading, we are our children's first and most important teachers.

The years from birth through to preschool are fertile grounds for learning - particularly with respect to reading. For children, being read to and eventually learning to read is an important tool for future knowledge acquisition. Research shows that children who are read to at an early age are more successful at school than those who are not. In fact, preschoolers exposed to rich and diverse reading experiences are also more likely to start school ready to read or already reading.

Reading with your children builds the knowledge base they need to become successful readers. By reading with them, your children learn about new words, the sounds of letters, sentence structure and about the world around them. They begin to understand that stories themselves have structure - a beginning, middle and end. And they learn about written language and the connections between the spoken word and the written word.

Children who are read to and exposed to words (through signs, in print, etc.) also learn about the value of words. In valuing the written word, they develop an interest in and attention for language. Reading with your children also promotes listening and talking, as well as writing and understanding.

Remember the A-B-C's! Reading with your children...

1. Advances creativity
2. Broadens reading interests
3. Creates fun experiences
4. Demonstrates that you too love to read
5. Encourages language development
6. Fosters a lifelong love of reading
7. Generates bonding time
8. Helps teach children about the world around them

For more information:

• Classroom Connections - Literacy Connections http://www.classroomconnections.ca/en/literacycnct.php

By Rochelle Strauss