One of the most important things you can do to help your
Montessori preschool student is to help nurture a love of reading. Children who learn to read at an early age tend to do well in other school-related subjects, show greater creativity and problem-solving skills, and find it easier to communicate in social settings. Following a few simple tips will give your child a headstart at school and unlock a universe of concepts to be discovered.
Provide a Positive Example
Work with your
Montessori preschool, but take the initiative at home. A successful way to teach your children to read is to make sure that your children see you reading. When she sees you reading books and magazines, she will be curious to know what intrigues you in those pages and will investigate for herself. When she begins to do so, expand your reading to include her, and offer her encouragement when she tries to read along in her favorite books.
Set Aside Time For Reading
Storytime is an important part of the
Montessori preschool routine, but it deserves an equal place at home as well. Bedtime stories are a good starting point, but make sure that your treat reading as an activity that can take place anytime. Better yet, treat reading as the activity that is always available, at home, at the park, or while waiting for other activities to begin.
Provide a Bookshelf
Unless your child has access to reading material, she is not going to become an avid reader. Provide a child-sized bookcase with an assortment of children’s books, and encourage your little girl to explore the many different titles available.
Show an Interest
When your daughter is reading a book, take the time to get involved. Ask questions about the story, help her sound out unfamiliar words, and praise her for learning new ones. Children thrive on positive attention, so when you treat reading as a praise-worthy activity she will be more interested in doing so for the attention it brings her.
You are the key to your children becoming avid readers. By the examples you set, the attention you give, and the praise of a job well done you can show your kids that reading is not only an enjoyable activity but one worth exploring in detail at every opportunity.