We all know we should read to our children every day but life is busy. Have you ever found yourself feeling guilty because you missed a day of reading to or with your child? It happens – so forgive yourself and move on. Tomorrow is another day to share that daily read and favorite book. While making reading a daily “habit” is beneficial and important, the earth won’t end if we miss a day every now and then. There are many other ways that children develop strong language and literacy skills. First of all, talk to your child about what is happening all around him. Don’t limit your vocabulary to “children’s language” but instead, use the same sophisticated words with your children as you normally do around other adults. Children need to hear language – LOTS of language – on a daily basis to expand their own understandings of how language works and is used in daily life. Young children like to “try out” the things they hear to see how new words work for them. Use language rich in idioms and explain those idioms when necessary to help your child understand how words work. Young children catch on quickly and will learn to process at higher levels if you do. So, while daily reading is certainly encouraged to develop good literacy skills, remember that you are also building vocabulary and literacy skills in your children on a daily basis each time you open your mouth.
