An effective way to teach your child basic learning skills are through stories. Sometimes the simple old favorites are the best conversation starters between you and your child. One such story is The Three Little Pigs. I will confess that this story was never one of my favorites. However, you can expand upon this story for preschool lessons or simple bedtime story fun.
The obvious place to start is with the number three. As you read to the story to your child place special emphasis on the number three. What can a child learn about three?
Number recognition: Show your child the number three and have him say “three” as he looks at it.
Number formation: Print out writing pages on the number three and have your child practice writing.
Counting: As you read take care to count out each pig and encourage your child to do the same. Find opportunities or printable worksheets online which focus on counting to three.
The next lesson will focus on the letter “P”. What can a child learn about the letter “P” from reading the story?
Letter recognition: Introduce your child to the letter “P”. As you read point to the letter and repeat the letter name. Then have your child point out the letter “P” once you finish reading a page. Play a game and have your child find all the letter “P’s” on the page. To reinforce counting, you may want your child to count how many “P’s” he can find.
Letter formation: Print off some simple printables online and have your child practice writing the letter “P”. You may want to use a 9×13 pan with a covering of rice or sand and have your child write the letter “P” with his finger. You may even use this technique when he practices writing the number three.
Phonics: Teach your child the sound “P” makes in the word “pig”. Have your child repeat the sound and quiz him the next time you read. Once your child understands the sound of “P” challenge him to come up with other words that start with “P”.
These are easy and fun ways to encourage learning in your preschooler. The lessons could easily be taught during your nightly bedtime story. The environment should be low stress and fun. You want to engage your child and provoke a curiosity about learning.