World of Words

World of Words

Here's how you can create a home rich in words.

What you 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 her form the letters and spell the words.

5. Look at newspapers and magazines with your child. Find an interesting picture and show it to him 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, she will begin to recognize the shapes of letters. The world of words will become familiar.

Source: Helping Your Child Learn to Read, U.S. Department of Education