- Touch each word as you read to your child to emphasize that each is separate and unique. Emphasize that you are reading from left to right to teach directionality.
- Put objects that all begin with the same letter sound in a bag or box. Have your child pull them out. Say each object’s name emphasizing its beginning sound. For example, cat begins with the |c| sound just like cow. Then let them pull out more objects that make the same sound.
- Frequent the library. Help your child pick out books that they are interested in and age appropriate. This shows them how much you value reading. Let them see you reading your favorite books too.
- Play rhyming games. This can be great fun on road trips or walking outings together. For example, you might say, “I saw a cat on a mat with a _____. ” Let them fill in the blank. There are no wrong answers in this game, except the sillier the better including nonsense words!
- When you teach letter names, use letters that are lowercase because this is what they will see in books. Save capital letters until after they’ve mastered the lowercase. You can find a set of lowercase letters at a teacher’s supply store.
Use these 5 ideas to start having fun cultivating an early reader!
What are some ideas you’ve used with your child to promote early reading?
