Celebrating International Read to Me Day with Your Preschooler

Imagine a world where dragons roam, princesses dance, and friendly animals go on adventures. This world comes alive through the simple act of reading aloud with your child. On March 19th, we celebrate International Read to Me Day. It is a perfect opportunity to embrace the joy of sharing stories with your preschooler.

Reading aloud isn’t just about entertainment. It is a powerful tool for your child’s development. It expands their vocabulary, sparks their imagination, and helps them understand the world around them. Most importantly, it creates a special bond between you and your child.

Why Reading Aloud Matters

Preschoolers absorb information at an incredible rate. Reading aloud exposes them to new words and concepts. This helps them build a strong foundation for literacy. They learn how sentences are structured, how stories unfold, and how to connect words with pictures.

Beyond language skills, reading aloud nurtures imagination. Children learn to visualize, create mental images, and think creatively. Reading helps children understand emotions and social situations. Stories often explore friendship, kindness, and overcoming challenges. Children learn about different perspectives and develop empathy.

Making Reading with Kids a Special Time

Find a comfortable spot where you and your child can snuggle up together. Turn off distractions like the TV or phone. Let your child choose the book, even if it’s one you’ve read a hundred times!

Use different voices for the characters. This makes the story more engaging and helps your child distinguish between them. Use gestures and facial expressions to bring the story to life.

Ask questions throughout the story. “What do you think will happen next?” “How do you think that character is feeling?” This encourages critical thinking and helps your child participate.

Beyond the Book: Expanding the Story

Reading doesn’t have to stop when the book is closed. Talk about the story with your child. What was their favorite part? Who was their favorite character? What did they learn from the story?

Connect the story to real life. If you read a book about animals, visit a zoo, or watch a nature documentary. If you read about cooking, try making a simple recipe together.

Let your child retell the story in their own words. This helps them process the information and develop their storytelling skills.

Celebrating International Read to Me Day

Make March 19th a day dedicated to reading. Visit your local library and let your child choose a new book. Have a special reading picnic in your living room. Invite a friend or family member to read to your child.

Most importantly, make reading a regular part of your routine. Even just 15-20 minutes a day can make a difference. By making reading a joyful experience, you’re giving your child a gift that will last a lifetime: a love of reading.

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By: Melissa A. Kay