While it is highly unlikely that any preschool age child under the age of four would actually be able to read books, (unless extremely gifted) it is possible to teach the fundamentals of reading. In fact, by teaching your preschooler the alphabet, basic phonics and some very easy sight words, you will be giving the child a strong advantage for when he starts regular grade school. If you intend to home school your child, then these early reading skills will enhance the entire learning process.
Instructions
1. As soon as you discover that you are pregnant, start reading to your baby. Studies have proven that reading to a child in the womb stimulates brain development and encourages learning. Continue reading with your child through the formative years, even after she is able to read alone. Reading together is one of the closest bonds parents and a child can enjoy.
2. When your child is one-year-old or perhaps even earlier, depending on the child; start pointing out words to him, such as on signs or toys, or in books. Sound out the letters of the words in the picture dictionary. This helps the child learn to speak, and will help with reading later on.
3. Understand that at two years of age your child is probably ready for you to teach the alphabet song. Use the alphabet flash cards as you sing the song, so she can learn to recognize the letters by sight and by sound. Some children are ready before tw0; you will know your child’s capabilities.
4. By making the above steps a regular part of your interaction with your child, by the age of three your child will find learning a fun activity and learning the sounds that different letters will practically become ingrained knowledge. You can reinforce this skill with the phonics flash cards and sight word flash cards.
5. When your little reader is four, play learning games with all of the flash cards. For example, use the sight word cards to have your child form sentences.
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