Summer Post: Encourage your preschooler to read for pleasure.

An article online at the University of Cambridge’s Research page links reading for pleasure in early childhood to better cognitive performance and overall well-being later in adolesence.

The value of reading to your preschooler can’t be overstated, but it’s also important that they “read” to themselves. The public library is a fabulous source of reading materials for all ages, including preschoolers. How do you go about encouraging a prereader to “read” their own books?

  • Paper books are the best choice for young children.
  • Look for picture books with rich illustrations that tell the story as much as the words.
  • Find books in subject areas of interest to your child.
  • Create an atmosphere conducive to reading by turning off the TV and all electronic devices.
  • After you’ve read a bedtime story to your little one, extend your child’s bedtime by 15 minutes if they spend that 15 minutes reading to themself in bed.

For more tips on developing your child’s literacy skills, check out these links:

About Andrea

Teacher of small children. Writer of small books.
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