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you can understand better. That way children learn how to
tell complete stories and know you are interested in what
they have to say.
6. Expose your children to varied experiences--trips to the
library, museum, or zoo; walks in the park; or visits with
friends and relatives. Surround these events with lots of
comments, questions, and answers.
Talking enables children to expand their vocabulary and
understanding of the world. The ability to carry on a
conversation is important for reading development. Remember, it
is better to talk too much than too little with a small child.
What's in a Name?
Use your child's name to develop an interest in the world
of print.
What you'll need
Paper
Pencil, crayon, or marker
What to do
1. Print the letters of your child's name on paper.
2. Say each letter as you write it, "K...A...T...I...E"
3. When you finish, say, "That's your name!"
4. Have your child draw a picture.
5. When finished, say, "I have an idea! Let's put your name
on your picture." As you write the letters, say them out
loud.
6. If you have magnetic letters, spell out your child's name
on the refrigerator door.
7. Print your child's name on a card, and put it on the door
of your child's room or special place.
It's hard to overemphasize the importance of writing and
displaying your child's name.
World of Words
Here are a few ways to create a home rich in words.
What you'll need
Paper
Pencils, crayons, markers
Glue (if you want to make a poster)
Newspapers, magazines
Safety scissors
What to do
1. Hang posters of the alphabet on bedroom walls or make an
alphabet poster with your child.
2. Label the things in your child's pictures. If your child
draws a picture of a house, label it "house" and put it on
the refrigerator.
3. Have your child watch you write when you make shopping or
to-do lists. Say the words out loud and carefully print
each letter.
4. Let your child make lists, too. Help your child form the
letters and spell the words.
5. Look at newspapers and magazines with your child. Find an
interesting picture and show it to your child as you read
the caption out loud.
6. Create a scrapbook. Cut out pictures of people and places
and label them.
By exposing your child to words and letters often, your
child will begin to recognize the shapes of letters. The world
of words will become friendly.
Book Notes
With very little effort, parents can introduce children to
the wide world of books.
What to do
1. Visit the library. Get a library card in your child's name
and one for yourself if you don't have one. Go to the
children's section and spend time reading and selecting
books to take home. Check out books yourself to show your
child everyone can use and enjoy books and the library. Be
sure to introduce your child to the librarian and ask
about special programs the library has for children.
2. Start your own home library. Designate a bookcase or shelf
especially for your child. Encourage your child to arrange
the books by some method--books about animals, holiday
books, favorite books.
3. Keep an eye out for inexpensive books at flea markets,
garage sales, used book stores, and discount tables at
book stores. Many public libraries sell old books once a
year. You will find some real bargains!
4. Make your own books. (See activity on page 46.) Child-made
books become lasting treasures and part of your home
library.
When collecting books is an important family activity,
parent send the message that books are important and fun.
Family Stories
Family stories enrich the relationship between parent and
child.
What to do
1. Tell your child stories about your parents and
grandparents. You might even put these stories in a book
and add old family photographs.
2. Have your child tell you stories about what happened on
special days, such as holidays, birthdays, and family
vacations.
3. Reminisce about when you were little. Describe things that
happened at school involving t
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