This is one of the most frequently asked questions teachers hear from parents.
If only I had all the answers! I do, however, have a few key suggestions.
 

1. READ to your child.

Children who have been read to from the time they were small are more likely to be earlier and better readers than those who were not read to. Listening to a story helps children understand how written language works. They realize that, to a certain degree, written language is spoken language in writing. However, they also come to understand the differences between spoken and written language so that both make sense to them. For instance, how often do you start telling a friend about an incident in your life by using the words "once upon a time I..." This is a phrase that is mostly limited to literature. As you read, you'll see that authors use a slightly different form of the English language to get their point across.

Reading helps children learn to love books, and kids who love books are usually better readers. Yes, it may get tiring reading the Where's Spot for the 100th time, but each time you read it, your child is learning something from it. Some days it may just be key points of the plot. Another day, your child may realize that there are letters under the flaps; then that many of those letters are the same - "no." She might see a letter that starts her name, realize that pages must be read in a certain order to make sense, notice you tracking the words with your finger from left to right, or simply understand that words and letters are two different things and that you can't "read" pages without letters. And just think, in a few years or even months, this little one of yours will be reading stories to you!

P. S. - Even older children (who can read to themselves) often enjoy listening to a book read aloud. Don't stop reading to your child just because she has learned how to do it herself!

2. Play games and do puzzles.

Games and puzzles provide a wonderful opportunity for young children to develop their critical thinking skills. When doing a puzzle, toddlers randomly try to put the pieces together. As they refine their skills, young children learn to note the color and shape of the puzzle pieces. Careful questioning from Dad or Mom can help the child understand why two pieces do or do not belong together.

Games also teach children. Many games have an academic focus to begin with: Candyland - colors; Memory - identifying the same object and remembering where objects had been; Go Fish - color, number or letter skills; War - greater than/less than; Hi Ho Cherry-O - numbers... It's kind of like a tricky way of teaching - the kids think they're just having fun, but really, they're learning something!! In addition, games teach children social skills. Taking turns, sharing, and following rules are very difficult for young children, but essential to the games. Above and beyond the benefits of puzzles and games (and books) the kids just love having your attention!
 

3. Turn of the TV an hour each day.

Now, this has to be an hour in which the family is awake and around the house to have any impact! :-) By the time the average child is 18, he has spent more hours watching TV than he has spent in school! Turning of the TV for an hour a day allows family members to do many things instead: Go for a walk. Play a game. Sing songs. Do homework. Bake cookies. Do dishes. Draw pictures for grandma. Clean bedrooms. Play ball. Rake leaves. Read books. Do a puzzle. Build a Lego house. Put on a play. The list could go on forever; so could the benefits. Family members could be in better physical shape. The house could be cleaner. Kids' schoolwork could improve. Families could feel closer. Mom or Dad could enjoy peace and quiet (by kicking the kids outside to play for a while!) Think of the possibilities!

Last Update: 07/05/99
Web Author: Tina Dickinson