Reading
Tips for Parents of Pre-schoolers
Read early and read often. The early years are critical to developing a
lifelong love of reading. It's never too early to begin reading to your child!
The tips below offer some fun ways you can help your child become a happy and
confident reader. Try a new tip each week. See what works best for your child.
Read to your child every day. Make this a warm and loving time when the
two of you can cuddle close.
Give everything a name
Build your child's vocabulary by talking about interesting words and
objects. For example, "Look at that airplane! Those are the wings of the
plane. Why do you think they are called wings?"
Say how much you enjoy reading
Tell your child how much you enjoy reading with him or her. Talk about
"story time" as the favourite part of your day.
Read with fun in your voice
Read to your child with humour and expression. Use different voices. Ham
it up!
Know when to stop
Put the book away for a while if your child loses interest or is having
trouble paying attention.
Be interactive
Discuss what's happening in the book, point out things on the page, and
ask questions.
Read it again and again
Go ahead and read your child's favourite book for the 100th time!
Talk about writing, too
Mention to your child how we read from left to right and how words are
separated by spaces.
Point out print everywhere
Talk about the written words you see in the world around you. Ask your
child to find a new word on each outing.
