Focus on: Talking

One of the best ways to prepare children for preschool and early literacy is by letting them simply express themselves with words – just talking! 

Preschoolers have so much to say if only given the opportunity. Language development is a crucial skill in a child’s life and helps them prepare for reading through vocabulary, expression and conversation. 

• Encourage your child to talk by asking them open ended questions about day-to-day experiences such as school, family and play. 
• Encourage them to “use their words” to describe what they want or need. 
• Sing songs and check out Nursery Rhyme books at the Library.
• Play rhyming games with them such “I see a dog – what rhymes with that word?”
• Focus on letter sounds and ask them how many words can they think of that starts with the “S” sound?  Or ends with the “ing” sound. 
• Start a story and have them make up the rest.
• Read a book together and then help them retell the story in their own way. 
• Encourage interactive storytelling and let the children act out parts and repeat the refrains.  
• Read often and always make it fun, positive, and stress-free.
• Encourage your child’s questions, interruptions, and observations.
• Read enthusiastically, and use your voice to illustrate what’s going on in the story.
• If your child loses interest, move on to something else.
• Have books accessible to your child.
• Go to the library regularly, and let your child choose books.
• Attend storytimes and other fun events at the library.