Easy Ways to Prepare Your Child to Read

There are simple things you can do to help your child get ready to read. I learned these tips from my child's preschool. After a month into the school year my three year old daughter knows all her letters, most of their sounds and understands the concept behind reading words. I have been very impressed. The teachers at this school shared some great ideas. These are things you can start doing with your toddler to help prepare them to read.

Alike and Different
When learning to read it is important to understand that some things are alike and some things are different. Your child will need to understand the difference between letters. Help your child learn this concept by setting out objects that are different and talk about what makes them unique. You can also set out three objects where one is different. A good example is to set out two spoons and one fork and ask your child to identify which one is different. Practicing this skill will help your child to look for differences and will eventually help them understand that each letter is unique and has its own characteristics.

Left and Right
Part of understanding the different letters is being able to identify the difference between a "p" and a "q" or a "b" and a "d". You can help your child distinguish these differences by helping them feel side dominance. Use the words "right" and "left" often to help them understand that each side has a name. When going for a walk tell your child when you turn which direction you are turning. Point out which hand your child is using when they are eating or coloring. Use sentences like this "Let's put on your right shoe, now your left shoe". Before long they will remember which side is left and which is right. This skill is not only important for identifying letters but also when they start reading they will be taught to read from left to right.

Sequence
Understanding that things happen in sequence will not only help them learn to read but will also help them with their math skills. Talk about things you do in order. One example is putting on your socks and then your shoes. When running errands tell your child what order you are going to do them in. As they get older you can help them recognize patterns. Set out a spoon, a fork, another spoon and another fork and then ask your child what comes next. After you finish reading your child a story talk with them about what happened in the story and in what order.

All of these activities are easily incorporated into your day and they will have a big impact on helping your child become ready to read.