by Joyce Wheeler

Created on: October 31, 2009

Reading is an important skill and one which will be utilized the duration of a child's life. It is for this reason that both speaking and reading to a child from the time of birth is very important. While a baby can not articulate words at this point let alone the written word, parents are laying the foundation for the soon to be future.

It is important that reading take place on an ongoing bases. Parents should point to pictures in the books and say what they are and even make sounds if applicable. Through consistency children will gradually begin to mimic their adult care givers as they grow. This not only will help to build a love of reading in a child but strengthen their vocabulary as well.

As they become toddlers trips to the library for story time will help to further nurture a love of reading in a child. It will also allow the child to browse through books and pick some out that they would like to bring home. Discuss with the child why they chose the book, the cover and what they think the book may be about. This will help to build up anticipation in the child who will now be curious to know what really is in that book. To further this anticipation ask questions and make suggestions as to what you think the book might be about. While reading the book it is important to point to pictures and ask the child to tell you what they are. Encourage discussion about what is being read either as the book is being read or when it is finished. Some children can become frustrated when they are enjoying a book and their care giver interrupts it.

When the child reaches the preschool age introducing letters and their sounds will help build the skills a child needs to read on their own. The internet has great preschool sites where printable worksheets can be obtained. Children can create their own alphabet books with simple letter coloring sheets which incorporate the letter and a picture which begins with that letter are abundant. A binder can be purchased, the pages three hole punched and placed inside, encourage the child to make a cover for their book incorporating some letters. Creating their own book will give them a sense of satisfaction and something to utilize while reviewing letters and their sounds.

Once children are reading on their own it is still important to continue to take an active role in their reading. This can be done in various ways, continued trips to the library, discussing what they recently read, continue to read with them and keep interested in what they are interested in. My boys, almost eleven and thirteen love to talk to me about the books they have read. It is very interesting when they read the same books I get to hear it twice or three times if they read what my eighteen year has previously read. This happened with The Series of Unfortunate Events. However, each child viewed what they had read in their own unique way.

A mother of three and a reader myself I read to my children from the time they were born. I would spread a blanket on the floor and lay on my back with them, holding the book up in the air. I would have a pile set beside me so I wouldn't have to get up and interrupt this special time. I did as I discussed in the second paragraph pointed at pictures and made noises. Needless to say all of my children love to read

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