The first step is to relax, says Christine Almiron, a public library outreach program coordinator. In a December 15, 2008 phone interview she explains, “Parents seem to agonize over their child's reading ability, especially when compared to other siblings when they were the same age.” Almiron advises that less pressure and more enjoyment around the act of reading will provide the right environment for children to succeed at any age.
Preschoolers Learning to Read
Boys and girls ages 3 to 5 are only beginning to read and have varying reading abilities, says Almiron. “These kids start reading at their own pace,” says Almiron. “Some children can read a surprising amount. A little 4-year-old read the words "Cinderella's dress" to me without help.”
Almiron cautions that parents should not push their children to read beyond their level. “Just read to the children, let them try to read for themselves, and try borrowing read-alongs, those picture books accompanied by a CD,” recommends Almiron. “That way, the child can follow along and turn the pages himself.”
Public Library Storytimes and Preschoolers
Almiron says children learn the most about reading from their parents – not just the act of reading, but whether it’s enjoyable or a chore. Preschool storytime at the local public library is a great opportunity for preschoolers to learn to enjoy the act of reading, and to see their parents enjoy it as well.
“Parents can come to family storytimes at their public library,” says Almiron. “It’s best if you participate in the storytime with your child and socialize with other parents afterward. Your participation shows your child that reading is enjoyable and that it is important to you.”
After Preschool Storytime – Reading Readiness at Home
Preschool storytime is also a good place for parents to learn which preschool books their child enjoys. Almiron suggests checking out whichever picture books a child is interested in. “Know that you don't have to randomly search for books on a topic,” says Almiron. “Library staff can give you a list of all the princess, dinosaur or bunny picture books.”
Parents don’t have to stick to the preschool storytime selections, either. “Kids generally have more patience when they're sitting one-on-one with a parent than when they are in a group of other kids watching a storyteller,” says Almiron. “Feel free to choose much longer stories if your child has that patience. We don't, for example, use much Robert Munsch for our storytimes as they tend to be on the long side, but I would definitely recommend them for reading together or giving to older kids to read alone.”
Showing how important reading is can continue at home as well, advises Almiron. “Have lots of books, read packages from shelves when you're shopping. Even if a child can't read at all yet, you can instill reading readiness – understanding how to manipulate books manually, how to follow words on a page (even if he or she can't say them yet), and just to understand that reading is important, all around us, and fun!”
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