4 Ways to Encourage a Love for Reading in Your Preschooler

One of the most important things that parents can do for their children is encourage a love for reading. Reading will play such an important part in the child's educational experience, which is why an early proficiency in it will be a great indicator of how much the child succeeds in learning and schooling. Teaching a love for reading starts young in life. Here are some things that parents can do during the preschool years to encourage early reading.

1. Read Often to the Child

You can make reading a special time for you and your children. It should not be a chore. You should not make the child sit down and tell them they have to read. Instead, make it something special that the two of you do together. For example, you can do it before bed where you and the child snuggle and spend some time together without any distractions. The child will begin to look forward to these times that the two of you spend together and equate reading with a positive tradition in their life.

2. Let the Child Choose the Books

A mistake that some parents make is forcing the child to read certain books. If your child is having a hard time reading or wanting to read, let them choose the books. Perhaps they want to read comic books about superheroes, or books about sports, dance, cooking, or anything else that interests them. Even something like a look-and-find book is better than nothing at all. By letting the child choose the topics of the books, you can help them to enjoy the reading experience and find out how exciting reading can be for themselves.

3. Let the Child Ask Questions

While reading a book, your child may want to stop and ask questions, point to pictures, or talk about what you read. Although you may be anxious to get through the book, let the child dictate the pace at which you take it. Reading should be a chance for kids to learn about the world around them. Even if you don't finish the book, it is good that the child was interested and enjoyed reading.

4. Let the Child Read to You

Young children love to read to their parents. Even before they can actually read they might memorize their favorite book or make up words as they go along. This is healthy and should be encouraged. It will build self-confidence in the child so that they are excited to learn to read when the time comes.

By doing these things with your preschooler, you can encourage an early love for reading. Find an accredited preschool in your area that can contribute to your child's reading skills, such as D & J Educational Inc.

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