PRESCHOOLERS (3 - 5 years)
Preschoolers are very curious about the world around them. Their language reflects that curiosity and helps them learn new words and ways to use them. Sharing books with children helps them become better readers, writers and speakers.
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Knows up to 3,000 words.
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Uses language creatively to make up and retell stories.
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Asks lots of open-ended questions like "Why is the sky blue?"
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Finds the world humorous and enjoys making real and nonsensical jokes.
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Plays with language through simples songs, rhymes and nonsense words.
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Recognizes some letters and can print his or her name.
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Recognizes familiar wods in simple books or signs, i.e. stop signs.
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"Writes" or scribbles messages.
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Shows increasing attention and may sit through a story time.
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Speaks in fairly complete sentences such as "My friend ate the cookie before I could put it away."
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Select books that encourage interaction: repetition, humor, guessing, songs or wordless books that require active participation.
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Ask questions about books that spur children to retell or create their own story.
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Take turns telling jokes and using word play
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Promote imaginative thought with pretent play or putting on simple shows
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Talk about pictures or notes a child creates; wirite down a story that goes with it.
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Rhymes, poems and songs help preschoolers learn and use a broad vocabulary.
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Repetition helps preschoolers learn how stories and books work
- Simple board games give children opportunities to name and count.
- Establish and keep a real aloud or book sharing routine at home.
- Visit the library often to keep you and your preschooler supplied with a variety of materials.
- Watch for and join story times and family programs. Read with them every day.
- Make sharing books a special time for closeness
- Let them see that you enjoy reading
- Let them play with books
- Take them to the Library
- Make books available in your home
- Put books within your child's reach
- Limit TV viewing