5 Tips for Reading with all Ages

Reading a book each day fuels your child's imagination and supports important developmental skills. Whether your child is 3 months or 3 years old, they will love to hear stories and explore books with you.

Here are a few tips on how to explore books with your children no matter their age.

• Allow your child to hold the book (observe how they turn the pages and what pictures catch their eye.

• As you read, use your finger to follow the text from left-to-right (this is the direction of text). Invite your child to point to where you should start reading on each page.

• Before you read, ask about the pictures on the page. They are clues to what the story might be about. Build vocabulary and communication skills by talking with your child about each page before or after you read it.

• At the end of the story, invite your child to retell it or act it out in dress up. This builds an understanding of simple story sequencing - beginning, middle and end

• The best part about reading with your children is the snuggle time you both get to share. A strong and nurturing relationship is foundational to all learning.

Keep reading every day with your preschoolers.