Today is Toosday, that is, besides reading books, read pictures, too. Before children ever start to figure out what all the squiggles and lines are saying in books–something they usually learn at school– there is a key piece of the puzzle. Kids need to know that all those letters and stuff hold meaning. Reading is not just figuring out what the words say. It is connecting the words with what we already know. Children can practice connecting the page-stuff with meaning by reading pictures.
On Tuesday, for reading fun, you and your child can look for pictures all around. Maybe on the bus, as you walk down the street, waiting in line at the grocery store, in magazines or newspapers, going to the restroom, signs, menus, wherever. This idea can be adapted for very little ones and for older ones. Most children’s books are full of wonderful pictures, some have no words at all! This first step reading practice helps with kindergarten readiness and builds the foundation for later learning to read. Is this something you can picture you and your child doing, tueday?