Your preschool child has learned many words and phrases in their early years. Well done guiding them on this journey. For handy tips and activities, download the following flyers for preschool aged children: 2 to 3 years, 3 to 4 years and 4 to 5 years.
Take your child to their local library and encourage them to choose books to take home. Most libraries allow you to borrow up to 12 books at a time.
Ask your child to read one of their chosen books to you. Some picture books include unusual or new words. This is great for your child’s language development. Help them sound out words they might find difficult. If the word is unusual, explain what it means, or look it up in an online dictionary and find out together. This helps your child build vocabulary and understand that problems can be solved with simple strategies.
Look for opportunities in your everyday routines to read together. When you are out walking, read road and street signs aloud. If you are walking through a door, ask your child to read signs such as Open or Exit. If you are baking, read the recipe together and encourage your child to read any words or numbers they recognise.
If you have other children or adults at home, encourage your child to tell them a story. The dinner table is a wonderful time for storytelling. When grandparents or friends visit, invite them to read with your child too. Children love hearing stories from different people.
Try attending Story Time at your local library. These free sessions are a great way to enjoy stories, take part in activities, connect with other families in your area, and build early literacy skills together.
