Preschool children are at a very eager to learn stage in their life. It is very important to nurture and encourage this stage to grow. Reading is one of the best ways to facilitate in your child’s early academic career.
Young preschool children (3-4 years old) will adsorb almost anything that you say or do. They love to share their new information with anyone that will listen. At this stage, the child already knows many words. He can understand what the words that you read mean. He will know if you skip pages or are not reading the story the ‘right’ way. This is a wonderful time to feed your children informational vocabulary through nonfiction readings.
When read to, young preschool children can learn:
· Books are filled with interesting and fun information
· Pictures and stories in books relate to one another
· Relate to characters and experiences in books
· Look at books independently without the help of a parent
· Memorize phrases from a book or ‘pretend’ read a book
· Rhyme words
· Understand that the words in the book remain constant each time it is read
· Become interested in writing
At this stage, children need books with simple stories that contain a beginning, middle, and end. Most young preschoolers prefer books that they can relate to and that have a happy ending. They typically dislike books with scary characters or sad endings. They also love books with ‘real pictures’. Nonfiction books about animals are a hit with almost all children. Young preschool children also love books in which they can participate. Counting and ABC books are very popular. Rhyming and repetitious books are fun, too!
Sitting and reading with your young preschool child can help to increase his attention span and help him become a better listener. At this age, the child usually wants to be in charge of holding the book and turning the pages. While you are reading, ask your child specific questions about the words or the pictures. For example you can ask, “What is the little girl holding in her hands?” or “Where is the bird?”
Make sure that you keep books, paper, and crayons in reach for your child. He will become increasingly interested in writing and reading on his own.
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