Children don't have to start learning how to read in kindergarten. They can begin at home or in a prekindergarten environment, like preschool. Reading to your children aids their development and promotes a love of reading for the future.

Why You Should Read to Your Child

Improves Language Skills 

Learning a language is tough and requires a lot of repetition. Reading to your children stimulates the area in their brain responsible for language, literacy, and social skills. Although children learn language skills from listening to adults speak, books use language that's more descriptive, as well as formal in grammatical structure. 

Prepares Them for School

One in three American children starts kindergarten without knowing how to read. Children with strong language skills learn them at a young age, and bilingual children have an especially solid grasp on language. Reading when young helps children learn phonics, vocabulary, reading comprehension, and phonemic awareness. 

The Best Books to Read to Preschoolers 

“Madeline” By Ludwig Bemelmans

Madeline is a small red-headed girl who lives in a house of 11 other girls and a generous nun. The beautiful illustrations will pique your child’s interest, and the introduction of French culture may spark a desire for traveling.

“Where the Wild Things Are” By Maurice Sendak

With over 10 million copies sold, “Where the Wild Things Are” has enriched childhoods since 1963. Your children will fall in love with the misadventures of Max, and the many wild things that live in the world of the book.

“Fox in Socks” By Dr. Seuss

You could put any Dr. Seuss book on this list, but the funny and playful “Fox in Socks” is full of tongue-twisters that can help your child's language skills. “Fox in Socks” also features stunningly bright visuals and a life lesson on optimism.

“The Giving Tree” By Shel Silverstein

A childhood classic, “The Giving Tree” is a story about the lifelong friendship between a boy and a tree. This touching story teaches friendship, selflessness, and love. This book has been a staple of many prekindergarten daycares.

If you're looking for a hands-on, professional, and fun prekindergarten program for your children, contact Northern Lights Preschool & Child Care in Anchorage, AK. They offer a wide variety of programs and work around your schedule to fit your family's needs and children's learning styles. They welcome children as young as 15 months. Visit their website for more information on their programs, or call (907) 274-2040 to book a tour.