When we think of essential items for the preschool years we must never forget books. A bookcase full of quality, age appropriate books is worth more than any toy, game, or curriculum. Books open up a new world and encourage exploration and imagination. Books are at the heart of instilling a curiosity about the world and a love for learning. A child can go on safari, visit a magical kingdom, or learn to care for a baby chimpanzee, all through the wonder of books.
At the end of the night it is a lovely time to sit and engage in book with your child. I know you are exhausted. There are times that heading upstairs and reading the same book for the hundredth time is unappealing. I want to just rest or get some work done as I save my work until the kids are in bed. I have asked my older children to read to the younger children on many nights. As time went on I looked up and realized that it was the exception and not the rule that I read to my kids before bed. Sure, I read to them during the school hours or during a quiet afternoon. Yet, there is something sweet about reading to your children before bed. If are not doing it then give it a try. If you are then don’t stop. I read to my older children for years even through the years they could read to themselves. I am now reading to my younger children again and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
Preschool Book List:
The Story of Ferdinand, by Munro Leaf
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, by Bill Martin, Jr.
Polar Bear, Polar Bear, by Bill Martin Jr.
Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown
Lyle Lyle Crocodile, by Bernard Waber
Make Way for Ducklings, by Robert McCloskey
Blueberries for Sal, by Robert McCloskey
The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Harold and the Purple Crayon, by Crockett Johnson
The Story of Ping, by Marjorie Flack