The Preschool Times

This post is the first in a three part series by guest author Sharon Alm:

You are overwhelmed from the moment your little bundle is put into your arms.  You feel great love and great responsibilities —the two greatest realizations a baby brings to your life. Both realizations are wonderful!  Both realizations are acted upon the moment you kiss that little head and utter, “I love you.”  You’ve begun the most wonderful and rewarding job:  PARENTING.  Your words have taken you to the first educating step toward reading.

Talk…..talk….talk…..talk to your child, no matter what you are doing.  The tone and rhythm of your words have been there during the pregnancy.  Now make it real.  Language is your way of opening the world to your child.  Don’t worry that your child won’t understand all that you say, because you actually don’t know just how much is absorbed into that little brain.

Sing a few words over and over:   “I love you….Yes, I do!”  With your big smile and a clean diaper, that task has been fun, too!

Nursery rhymes bring the magic of words that are almost alike.  They are fun!  Learn a few simple nursery rhymes.  Saying them slowly brings the rhyming and the rhythm to life! They can be sung to a creative melody.  They can be said as a chant.  They can be said in funny voices!  They can be said with a nod of your head to the left and to the right.  The verses will bring a smile to your face, and a smile to your child’s face.  The rhyming words can be isolated and said or sung slowly to emphasize their likeness. Rhyming words are fun!  You have taken another small step toward reading.

Parents are the first and most important teachers in a child’s life.  Never forget it.  You are models.  You are security.  You answer the crying and make things right. You are there for them.  Your eyes and your smiles paint a picture of the world to them….make it a beautiful and a positive picture.

Books and reading aloud should definitely be a part of that positive and beautiful picture.  As your child grows into a regular bedtime, please make reading aloud part of that nightly routine.  It’s a time of closeness and relaxation, and a great introduction to books!   You’ll find lots of books along the bedtime theme.  Try a “board” book (heavy cardboard) as your child learns to reach for things.  Don’t rush….read calmly and pleasantly.  A bedtime without a book is lonely.

Peace & Light,

Grace