Public libraries across North America have launched a reading readiness program for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. This program aims to provide kids with some basic skills that will prepare them for reading once they get into school. The emphasis here is on parents – they are the people who have the greatest influence over young children and they are the ones who can teach them an appreciation for reading and storytelling.

What Parents Can Do

Early childhood educators recommend that you begin reading to your child even when he is a newborn. Children who appreciate books and the stories in them are more likely to want to pursue reading on their own. You should also make reading a special time with just you and your child – the focus on your child and the story reinforces the idea that reading is important.

Because parental influence is so critical, you should make sure your child sees you reading. Recent studies have shown that it is especially important for fathers to set an example because young boys tend to read less than girls. By seeing their dads read, boys are more likely to see the value of the written word.

When reading, there are some steps you can take to help your child appreciate books and to introduce them to different letters:

• Use board or cloth books so your child can hold the book and maybe even turn pages.
• Point to words and pictures so they associate language with “things”.
• Read everything you see, not just books. Signs at the grocery store, menus at a restaurant, traffic signs – words are everywhere.
• Use alphabet books.
• Point out letters everywhere, not just in books. Use the newspaper, cereal and other food boxes, recipes, magazines – most households have all kinds of written materials in addition to books.

Beyond actual reading, there are other things you can do to develop language skills in your child. Children with larger vocabularies are better readers, so speaking and phonetics are key skills for future readers. How do you work on these skills? Here are some ideas:

• Talk to your child from birth and as she gets older, ask questions to encourage dialogue. Even if your child cannot answer, she will learn that she can be part of the conversation by answering inquiries made of her.
• Encourage your child to speak and when he does, listen and respond. Ask him to tell you about things that are relevant to him – toys, meals, stories and so on. By telling you about something, he is developing narrative skills.
• Read nursery rhymes and emphasize the words that sound the same. Rhyming words promote awareness of the sounds that make up words. Sing songs to help your child recognize sounds in words. Children who know these different sounds will be equipped to sound out words when they begin reading.

Most importantly, read to your child every day. Read with enthusiasm. If your child seems intrigued by a particular picture, talk about it. Make reading a time of sharing and closeness – put your child on your lap and snuggle up with a book. Do not get discouraged if your little one only listens for a few minutes. Every exposure to books and the written word is beneficial and sets your child on the path towards reading success.

For other tips and book recommendations, head down to your local public library.