A Word from Kylie A word from Kylie (Speech Pathologist) A question I am often asked is “What do I need to do to help my child learn to read/get ready for school? Many parents assume that teaching their children the sounds and letters is most important to help their children be good readers at school. While these skills are important, it is a child’s vocabulary which is the best predictor of later school reading success. Research has shown that children with a wide and varied vocabulary are more successful readers later in their school career. Preschool is the time when your child has the ability to learn a large amount of new vocabulary. The importance of a quality Preschool program and teachers who are introducing new concepts and ideas into their daily program is highlighted by this fact. Activities which can support vocabulary development include: frequent reading of books in class and home rereading of books appropriate to the developmental level of your child at home and school use of pictures, props and gestures to enhance the meaning books coordinated with ongoing classroom activities At home you can support your child’s vocabulary development through extended conversations on a single topic during play time, meal time, outdoor time, when reading aloud and during shared reading. During your interactions with your child allow time to explore ideas and if your child asks a question you are not sure about, try researching on the internet!
