Word Play

It is important to you that your child learns to read as soon as she can.  Preparing her to learn to read is one of your most important roles as a parent.  The vocabulary she acquires before she learns to read will greatly influence her reading preparedness.  Play with your baby or toddler by talking with her.  Repeat nursery rhymes and songs together.  At first she will just listen, but soon she will be singing and repeating the songs and rhymes.   Encourage her verbal interaction with you in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.  Go for a walk around your home and find various items you use in daily life, such as a hair dryer, a blender, a screw driver, a radio or television, etc.  Talk about the item and how it works (use the internet to increase your knowledge, then teach her).  Use vocabulary new to her and explain and demonstrate the meanings of the words.  Encourage her curiosity.  When she begins to read, her large vocabulary will help her pronounce and comprehend the words she reads.