The most important thing to remember is that reading should be an enjoyable experience. The following activities can help you stimulate your child's interest in reading.
- Read to and with your child at least 30 minutes each day
Your child will gain awareness of the conventions of reading (left to right, top to bottom), and even the very young will gain vocabulary. Running your index finger under the print as you read will help your child notice that printed words have meaning. Gradually you can ask her to identify letters and sounds. - Sing songs and recite poems and rhymes that have repetitive sounds
Repetition makes it easier for your child to pick up on the patterns in the sounds you make. - Model good reading habits
Help your child understand that reading is important by letting him see you reading maps, books, recipes, and directions. Suggest reading as a free-time activity. Keep books that are of interest to your child in an easy place for him to reach.
While you're there you can sign your child up for preschool story time and let her choose some books to take home.