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How was Your Day?
Find a quiet place where you can sit with your child. You might sit side-by-side or have your child on your lap. Be sure to give them your full attention. Ask them,
- How was your day? What did you do?
If they cannot think of what they did, ask questions. You can ask,
- What did you do today?
- Did you see your friends? Who did you see?
- Did you sing any songs today? What did you sing?
- Do you remember what you had for lunch today? What was it?
- What was the best thing that happened today?
At first, your child may not be able to sit for long. Make it a habit every day and they will look forward to telling you about their day. If you do not have time to sit down together, talk about their day at dinner or bedtime.
Talk, talk, talk with your child! They learn sounds, new words, and how to use words to make sentences talking with you.
You Talk, I Write
Help your child write a note to a special person. It could be a mom or dad, auntie, grandparent, teacher, or friend. Tell your child that you will write down what they want to tell the special person. Write their words down on a piece of paper. If your child needs help, share some ideas.
- Do you want to tell Grandpa you like to play with him?
- What else do you want to tell Grandpa?
Read the note back to them and show them their words are on the paper. Let them draw or decorate the note. Mail it or give it to their special friend.
Let’s Draw!
Place a big piece of paper on a table or the floor. Give your child crayons, markers or colored pencils for writing. Cut a paper grocery bag and lay it flat to make a big piece of paper to draw on.
Sit with your child and draw along with them. Ask them about their drawing. Talk about the colors you both are using. Talk about what you are drawing. Your child may not have a specific picture in mind when they draw – that is okay.
Do not be worried if their writing and drawing looks like scribbles! Let them be creative. And be sure to praise their efforts!
Tell Me A Story!
Read a book with your child several times. Then, ask your child to tell you the story!
You can say,
- Now it’s your turn to tell me a story. Let’s start with the first page.
- What is happening to the rooster? (or the character in your book)
Your child may be able to tell you the main idea on each page. Or, they may make up their own story to go with the pictures. They may surprise you and repeat the story word for word. Let your child turn the pages.
Pretending to read is one of the first steps in learning to read.
Silly Rhyme Time!
When you need a quiet activity, play this rhyming game with your child. Start with a simple sentence that ends in a word that is easy to rhyme.
- Look at that cat!
Your next sentence will end in a word that rhymes with cat.
- It saw a bat!
Say another simple sentence that ends in a rhyming word for bat.
- It needs a hat!
Ask your child if they know a word that rhymes with hat. Try to make a simple sentence with their rhyming word. Don’t worry if they make up a word that isn’t real. The idea is to match the sounds. Your child will have fun making up silly words. This game helps your child learn the sounds that make up language and understand that words and sounds have patterns. This will help them learn to read in the future.