Start Early

Picture this: your little bundle of joy, barely able to hold their head up, already soaking in the world of words. Sounds crazy, right? But it's true! Babies are like tiny sponges, and they're ready to soak up everything we give them. So why not make that "everything" include letters, words, and a love for reading?

Now, I know what you're thinking. "Flashcards for a baby? That sounds about as fun as watching paint dry." But hear me out! We're not talking about boring, plain flashcards. We're talking bright, colourful cards with fun pictures that grab their attention. It's like a mini TV show for their growing brains - but way better as numerous research studies show.

For example, did you know new born babes are entertained more by black and white newspaper print than block colours.  Their little brains are ready for input and complexity from an early age!
 

The fact is that babies are a captive audience looking to learn about the fascinating world they’ve been born into. They're not going to roll their eyes and say, "Ugh, Mom, not flashcards again!"  Instead, they're going to be all eyes and ears, taking it all in. It's entertainment for them, not a chore. And that's exactly what we want!

Of course, we're not expecting them to recite the alphabet or read ‘War and Peace’. It's all about familiarity. Think of it as planting tiny seeds that'll blossom into a love for reading further along the road.

Benefits for Kindergarten

For our awesome kindergarten teachers out there, you get to see this early exposure in action. These kiddos come to you ready and inspired for their kids' learning journey, making your job of teaching reading for kindergarten a lot smoother. You can build on their early experiences with even more exciting activities and engage them with kindergarten read aloud books.

Meanwhile, for moms with kindergarteners whose babes haven't been exposed to early reading activities, don't worry! It's never too late to start.  Short, fun activities can introduce letters and words without overwhelming them. Remember, it's not a race - every child learns at their own pace.

Books for Kindergarteners

So how do you go about picking books for kindergarteners?  First of all, don't be afraid to stretch those little minds a bit – or even a lot. Look for stories with a wide range of vocabulary and captivating plots. Mix it up with different types of books - throw in some non-fiction, some rhyming books, some activity workbooks – and books where kids can learn how to do stuff.

It's a fact that when kids can see the point in learning to read, it becomes a motivational tool for helping them discover more about the things they are interested in – whether it’s for reading a recipe book on how to make their favourite cookies or looking at a leaflet on how to care for their pet gerbil. 

Give your kid a reason to read and they’ll be off.  My own kinder’s reading journey launched when she decided she wanted to bake some popovers.

And when it comes to choosing books for kids to read, don't be afraid to challenge them a little. Kids are smarter than we often give them credit for. Look for books with rich language and interesting stories. If you're yawning while reading it, chances are your kid will too.

And on the subject of yawning, bedtime is a perfect opportunity for storybook reading and settling lively youngsters off to sleep.  But if you are pressed for time don't worry! There are plenty of engaging short bedtime stories for kindergarteners that can be a win-win for both of you - providing your little one with their nightly dose of reading without cutting into your precious evening hours.

And for those nights when you're running on empty (we've all been there!), audiobooks can be a real lifesaver. They keep the reading routine going while giving your voice a well-deserved break. Your child gets to enjoy a story, and you can tackle that pile of laundry or catch up on emails - multitasking at its finest!

For daytime and weekend reading activities, think about choosing books that spark imagination or connect with the things your kindergartener is learning at school.  This not only reinforces their learning but also shows them how reading relates to their everyday world. Remember, every story is an opportunity to nurture your child's curiosity and love for reading!

The Benefit of a Book Series

Now, let's talk about the magic of a book series. When kids find a character they love, it's like making a new friend. They're eager to discover the exciting adventure that awaits them in the next book. The familiarity of a book series not only motivates kids to keep reading but also helps improve their comprehension. It's like visiting an old friend – providing a natural curiosity for discovering their latest tale.

Remember, we're not just teaching kindergarteners to read - we're raising readers. We want them to love books, to get excited about stories, to see reading as an amazing adventure. By starting with simple exposure and gradually introducing them to a wide range of diverse and interesting books, we're setting them up for a lifelong love affair with reading.

So, let's embrace this journey from baby board books to kindergarten favourites. With each step, from those early learning moments to reading time in kindergarten, we're helping our little ones grow into confident, enthusiastic readers. It's not a race, it's a fun, gradual progression into the wonderful world of stories!

Every child moves at their own pace, but that early exposure to letters and words often makes the path to reading a bit smoother. By keeping things fun and gradually building on what they know, we're tapping into their natural curiosity and setting the stage for a lifetime of reading joy.

View my magical early learning kindergarten books and e-books here.