Pre-reading skills are crucial for academic success and kindergarten preparation, but getting your child ready to read does not have to be a daunting task.
Easy Ways to Get Your Child Ready to Read
Perhaps you have heard of parents reading to their children while still in the womb. This may be a good idea, as recent studies show that unborn children can hear and have some degree or comprehension during the last ten weeks of pregnancy.
In fact, it is never too early to begin reading to your children. Reading for kindergarten preparation provides a strong foundation for the first year of school.
Too many parents make the assumption that youth and inexperience means a limited ability to learn and comprehend. The truth is, young minds are like sponges and soak up the world around them all the time they are awake. Everything that parents do and say is watched and eventually repeated. This includes negative as well as positive habits.
It does little good to talk to a small child to impress the importance of the written word. However, if your child sees you with a book, he or she will become interested and want to know more about this activity. In other words, you should set an example, and let children know that books are fun and an exciting way to learn and experience the world.
If you want to enhance your child’s ability to read, spend more time with books. Books should be readily available all throughout the day. Most kids keep a few books in their rooms, but they have far more toys to occupy their time. As a result, books may not receive the attention that they rightfully deserve.
Children’s books are not expensive and are a great source of entertainment. Make sure to select books with bright and interesting illustrations that help to explain the story. Children never get tired of popular books and stories, so expose them to literature as much as possible.
Most kids will benefit from increased exposure to books. When kids are around books a great deal, they feel comfortable with them. Also, they are more interested in literature and more likely to ask questions about words and the way they are pronounced.
Perhaps you think it is too hard to interest a child in books. The truth is, the TV could be distracting them. Turn off the television when it is time to read. Try to eliminate all other sources of distraction. This helps you and your child focus on what you are doing and comprehension can be greatly enhanced.
Read to your child as much as possible. This is an excellent way to spend quality time. Let the child be a part of the activity and perhaps turn pages as you read. Take time to talk about the illustrations.
After reading a book, ask your child to retell the story. This will show you just how much he or she is learning. If you are not hearing the same story that you read, go back and read the story again. Work with your kids every day and help them discover the power that lies within books, and they will utilize this amazing power for their rest of their lives.
