Preparing to Read

Lately, I have been reading the book "Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome". Even though Chelsea doesn't have Down Syndrome, she learns in a similar way, and it has TONS of great ideas!

Here are some tips they gave in preparing your child to become a reader:

1. MODEL reading! Show your child that you read for pleasure as well as to learn new things. Let them see you reading, and take them frequently to the library.

2. Provide reading material! Let age-appropriate books to be easily accessible to your child. (A note from me- be ready for and okay with casualties. This is why I only buy used books- it is easier to say goodbye to a 75 cent book than a new $10 book. Encourage them to look at and experience books!)

3. Read with them! All parents know this one. I read to my kids for at least half an hour a day, and have since Chelsea was born. They LOVE books! They associate them with happy times with mom.

4. Sing nursery songs with them! Recite poems, sing songs- these teach rhyming! It is about lots more than humpty dumpty on a wall!

5. Shape boxes! These are great early toys that teach kids to match shapes and become aware of the importance of the shape something has.

6. Play with puzzles! This also teaches to match shapes (the early, single shape puzzles), discrimination, and to look for the big picture (like a word versus a letter!)

7. Provide a large writing surface the child has unlimited access to. We used a big whiteboard easel, and multi-colored dry erase markers. Also use paper and markers, crayons, colored pencils, paint- anything to promote drawing/ writing!

8. Have blocks, toy animals, cars, little people- use these to build and play zoo, farm, garages, roads- anything to act out what they are reading about

9. Have dolls, stuffed animals, tables, chairs, tea set... Housekeeping play toys. These are for practicing interactions, pretend play, learning the use of objects, and all about family relationships, roles, etc.

10. Dress-up, pots and pans, boxes, sensory bins. Again, more of acting out what they read about, because kids learn by DOING!

11. Watch reading shows! The book recommends Sesame Street, but we like Super Why the best. Just use your screen time for good shows!

12. Experience the community with purpose! Meaning- give your child a goal, so have a list for them when you go to the store (use pictures and words!), do an animal scavenger hunt at the zoo, bring a picture for grandma to the post office to mail it, etc.

13. Make books about your child! (Not in the book I have been reading, but Chelsea loves this) I just use Word and put in pictures about Chelsea, or have her choose her ABC Disney Favorites.

Remember: Your child will learn what you teach them, so make sure you are teaching them things that are meaningful and useful!