Try Some Nonfiction

Don’t forget that there are so many choices in books for your preschooler. Many parents tend to pick story books with appealing characters and illustration. Mix it up a little. Choose some nonfiction books. They offer wonderful ways for you and your child to learn about and talk about changing seasons; real events, customs, and people; familiar or exotic animals; and simply to learn more about a favorite topic, from dinosaurs to ballet to earth movers. Plus, as your child continues her education, many of the books she will read are nonfiction. Check out this recent blog post (April 26) for some some very thoughtful ideas about choosing nonfiction books to share with your preschooler. http://readingforpreschool.blogspot.com.

Family Reading Time

There are endless combinations possible for family reading. Parents read to children. Children read to parents. Grandparents read to children. Even an older sibling can read with your preschooler. But think out of the box. Have your preschooler read to his baby sister or brother. He will feel very grown up. No baby around? How about your family’s pet? Many dogs will welcome the petting and attention that accompanies your child’s rendition of his favorite story book. Try eavesdropping. You may be amused at your child’s interpretation of a book when he is the reader-in-charge.

Spring for It

Sometimes change is welcome. As the weather gets nicer, consider moving your reading venue to the great outdoors. Set up a blanket under a tree or sit on a park bench. Maybe plan a little picnic. Pack a snack. Bring a short book or one of your child's favorites. You may find your preschooler is distracted and eager to move about. But for as long as you have his attention, enjoy the nice weather and some "reading together" time in the fresh air.

Shelve It

Smooth the way to a happy reading routine by making sure you can easily find the books you and your preschooler love to read. Preschoolers are notorious for lacking patience and, if you can’t get your hands on that one book your child is craving at that very moment, you might lose her attention. Check out this blog post for some simple, clever, and inexpensive ways to organize and store books: http://beginningreadinghelp.blogspot.com.

Be an April Fool

Take your preschooler by surprise. When reading one of his favorite stories, substitute his name for the main character’s. Or use your pet’s name, or your child's best friend's. The idea is to send the message that it is OK to play around a bit, and have some fun making the reading experience uniquely his.