Have you ever noticed how much little 4 and 5 year old children like to just play? They seem to take even the most trivial of activities and turn them into something fun. So why not make a game out of getting them ready to read? Let's take a look at 7 Activities that will help Promote Reading for your Preschool child.
7 Fun Pre-Reading Activities

1. Play Rhyming Games
• Point out words that rhyme to your children. (cat, bat, sat)
• Use word association with pictures of these words and/or action. Show/draw a picture of a cat that sat on a bat
• Ask them about rhyming words that they know
• Point to an object in your home, say a ball and ask your child to tell you a word that rhymes with ball

2. Play Alphabet Games
• Point out the sound that each letter makes - "B" sounds like baa
• Put magnetized letters on your refrigerator ask your child random letters to see if they recognize the letter
• Spell out the child's name with the letters, have them pick out the sounds that each letter makes

3. Play the "What's That" Game
• Point to an object in the room, ask the child "what's that"
• Ask your child to point to something that they don't know what it is and explain it to them

4. Make a Letter Book
• Print the letters of the alphabet on a piece of construction paper
• Cut out pictures that start with each letter of the alphabet ex. A is for Apple
• Read the book when you are finished
• Ask your child about other words that would fit on the page

5. Start a Story Book
• Begin a made up story with your child, write it down
• Ask the child what should happen next, write their answer
• Ask about characters, places, things to put in the story
• If you are artistic draw some pictures to go with your story, if not cut out pictures from magazines
• Read the story to your child when it is complete
• Make a "binder" out of construction paper and staple the story inside
• Be sure to include the names of the authors on the title page
• Read the story to family and friends
• Tell your child how proud you are of their story book
• Repeat when your child has a new story to tell

6. Play the Common Sign Game
• Point to street signs, ask your child what letters are on the signs
• Ask if they know what the sign means, if not tell them and ask again at another time when you pass by the sign
• Point out signs at businesses and do the same thing
• Look for things in your home to point out such as light switches (on/off), remote controls, etc.

7. Play the Name Game
• Write your child's name on a sheet of paper, ask them to tell you the letters
• Sound out the letters with them
• Do the same with your name
• Have your child attempt to write their name themselves
• Practice this often
• Let the child pick other words that they want to see in print, then name that word

As parents we want our children to succeed in life. Getting them prepared for school and learning to read is part of our job. This does not have to be a struggle though. Children at this age are very eager to learn. This is something that we want them to continue to strive for throughout their lifetimes. Practice using these 7 Activities To Promote Reading For Preschoolers with your children and see how much they will keep on learning and become ready to face the new challenges that life has to offer.

Christine Gayle is an educator and writer. She wants to help you find interesting projects, good quality products and fun activities for your home and family. She invites you to visit her blog at http://womenshomeactivities.com/get-your-kids-reading-a-gift-that-lasts-a-lifetime/