University of Wisconsin - Extension

If you want your child to become a competent reader, flashcards and workbooks in preschool probably aren¿t the best answer. Reading to your young child and providing access to books are among the strongest indicators that a child will read well, says a University of Wisconsin-Extension family living agent.

¿A child who is read to and who has access to books while growing up will ultimately do better on tests and be a better student than a child has does not have these advantages,¿ says Joan LeFebvre, who services Vilas, Forest and Florence counties.

LeFebvre says research has shown that children, who are read to only 8 to 10 minutes a time, at least four times a week, reach higher levels of reading achievement than children who aren¿t read to.

Another study found children whose parents had been specifically requested to read to their youngsters every day for three to six months before kindergarten scored significantly higher on reading readiness than children whose parents had not been asked to read aloud to them.

¿One essential ingredient for every young reader is an adult who likes the child and who also likes reading,¿ LeFebvre says. ¿Young children learn so much by observing their families. Discuss things you have read with your children, and ask them things about what they have read or about the picture books they have.¿

LeFebvre says not to worry if you don¿t consider yourself a good reader. ¿If you enjoy reading, then you are a good example,¿ she says. ¿If you are trying to improve your own reading skills, then you may be the best example a child can have.¿

LeFebvre offers these suggestions for parents interested in developing reading skills in their preschoolers:

-- Read along the way. Print is everywhere. When you are driving, point out what signs and businesses say. Many children learn to recognize words like ¿stop¿ and ¿Target¿ before they can sound them out. The same is true at the grocery store and looking through sales advertisements for grocery and discount stores.

-- Read together out loud. It¿s one of the best ways to help children become readers. Children need to hear how sentences sound before reading them makes sense. They benefit in the same way that a music student benefits from hearing a polished recording.

-- Tell your child stories. Storytelling can be just as valuable as reading. Children learn that stories have a beginning, middle and end. They may be able to contribute by coming up with an ending or trying to predict what happens next.

When reading aloud, LeFebvre suggests using expression, even changing your voice for different characters. Create a mood by getting comfortable under a blanket or on a couch together. Slow down your pace, and don¿t expect small children to sit perfectly still. They can listen, even when they are squirming.

For more information on issues related to parenting preschoolers, contact your http://www1.uwex.edu/ces/cty">County Extension office.