DS For Parents Reading Readiness by Andrea Pastorok, Ph.D. (NAPSA)—To help your prereader and early reader develop reading readiness skills, build vocabulary and increase phonic awareness, the experts at Kumon Math and Reading Centers suggest the following: Read, read, read * Read a wide variety of books from nursery rhymes to _ classic tales. Ask your child questions about the book. Who is your favorite character? Dr. Pastorok ————_ What part of the book do you like best? What do you think will happen next? Run your finger along the words as you readto yourchild so that he/she learns that English print goes from left to right, top to bottom, front to back. Sing songs Children love silly songs, jingles and especially repetitive verses with rhymes. Show your child words ina variety of media Whetherit is the daily newspaper or a magazine, show your child words on the page so he/she can begin to recognize them. * Point out “environmental words” such as traffic signs and storefront signs as you drive. In the grocery store, have your child find a box of his/her favorite food on the shelf. This helps children recognize their favorite items and the words that go with them. Have yourchild retell stories If you have read your child a tale, such as “The Three Little Pigs,” have him/herretell it back to you. Located in 44 countries around the world and with an enrollment of three million students, Kumon Math and Reading Centers offer the premiere after-school supplemental education program. To learn more, visit the Web site at www.kumon.com. Dr. Andrea Pastorok is the education specialist for Kumon North America.
