BUILDING VOCABULARY

A good vocabulary will help your child throughout life. Being able to express themselves is key to succeeding both in their social lives, their academic lives and later in life in the "real world". Reading to and with your child daily takes only minutes a day and will pay back in volumes. Don´t underestimate the value of books on tape, occasionally substituting these for the radio on a longer car trip. Encourage them to read to you. Keep a variety of reading materials at home magazines, books and newspapers. Act out their favorite stories, or put together a puppet show. Teach them that writing is fun. Encourage them to write from the time they can sound out words and have toddlers and preschool children dictate to you "writing" a letter to a favorite relative or friend. Have them make their own cards to give on birthdays or holidays.