Read books with appealing pictures that match your child’s age and interests.
Children at this age like books with rhythm, rhyme, and repetition.
Have a cozy reading corner that invites reading.
Read aloud daily, even if it's only for 10 minutes. Snuggle up on the couch
or hold your child in your lap.
Reading at bedtime is a wonderful way to end the day.
Talk about the story and pictures in the books you read together. This time
together should be natural and fun.
Encourage risk-taking as children learn to read and memorize their first
books. Have your child chime in on repeated lines or a chorus.
Respond enthusiastically to early attempts at reading. Never say, "She’s
not reading. She has just memorized the book." Memorizing is one of the
first steps in learning to read.
Play with magnetic letters on the refrigerator or plastic letters in the
tub.
Encourage children to notice words in their world, such as signs, logos,
and labels.
Help your child learn to recognize his or her name in print.
Share your love of books and reading.
Visit bookstores and libraries with your child.
Take your child to hear authors or storytellers at bookstores or the library.
Make singing and talking together part of your daily routine.
Watch TV shows together, such as Sesame Street, that incorporate
reading and books.
Buy or make tapes of favorite songs and books to listen to at home or in
the car.