It is never too early for your toddler to begin reading.  However, at this stage, it is really difficult for mothers to make their kids love books and stories and understand the mechanism of reading. Here are some things that you can do to make your preschooler read:

Make reading time special for you and your child. Set up a routine and make your child pick his favorite book. Bedtime stories are traditional; therefore you should try and do the reading activity more than one time a day such at breakfast time or after preschool.

Go to the library as often as possible with your child.  Show all the books to your child, not only the ones which are designated for pre-readers but also the books that they will read in kindergarten. Also, encourage your kid to become friends with the librarian, so they can help your child pick their favorite books or the librarian can provide them with the books of their interest.

Choose books with vibrant and lively colors. Talk about the pictures with your child. Make your child point out things in the illustrations and repeat the words after you don’t take this activity as a test but play it like a game so the child stays engaged. This activity will prepare your child to begin learning at an early stage.

Show good behavior around kids. Try to read more often around your kids. Your child would want to do the same. Don’t wait for the bedtime to read your novel, read it whenever your child is around. Also, when you are reading your mail, notes or shopping list involve your child along to read with you.

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Make use of expressions when you are reading with your child. Make noises if you are reading about animals. Make reading fun and interesting so the child doesn’t get bored. Read in a singing tone or as ask your baby to do the same. Keep reading interactive for your child.

Point out on the words whilst you read. Pre-readers must learn the basics. Emphasize the parts of the book by showing the book cover to your child and follow the words with your finger as you read.

Find books as per your child’s interest. Introduce books on different topics such as cars, dinosaurs, magic tricks, movie stars and so on. Find exciting books for your child and help them build interest in various choices.

Talk about the book you are reading with your child. Ask him questions about the book such as, what do you think about this book or which is your favorite part of the book?  This will become a fun activity if that book becomes your child’s favorite book. In this way, you can ask them to predict what will happen next.

Read on the go. When you are outside with your child don’t forget the reading activity. Make it a part of their everyday life. When you see signs read them out loud like the STOP sign. Read everything you see and encourage your child to read the familiar signs and words outdoors. Also, while watching TV with kids, whenever you see signs or familiar words ask your kid to read them too.

Do not impose reading on your child. If your child is restless, don’t make them sit through the entire book. As your child gets older, the attention span of their reading hobby will eventually increase.

Happy Reading!