A letter to preschoolers’ parents:
Reading is your responsibility

By Kristen Medica

Dear Parents,

In a recent magazine article, renowned author James Patterson wrote a letter to his nine-year-old son, Jack. In it, he explained the importance of reading and the pleasures it will bring Jack throughout his life. Patterson strongly believes reading to children at a young age builds a strong foundation for when they begin to read independently. He told his son, “I believe that getting you to read is my responsibility, my job. In fact, it’s the responsibility of all parents, grandparents and teachers.”

Everyone has a busy schedule filled with work meetings, dance lessons, soccer games and birthday parties. Sometimes it seems as though there isn't enough time to even eat dinner, let alone read a book to your kids. Here are a few tips to help introduce reading into your children's life:

Develop a routine. Find a time that works best for you and your children. Some suggestions include after school, before meal time or right before bed.

Expose your children to several characters, various places and new ideas. Think about interests them the most.

Keep reading books that your kids always want you to read. Re-reading helps them remember familiar words or lines. Soon they may be able to read the story to you!

Ask your children questions about the book: What character did you like best? What was their favorite part? Did they like the ending?

Encourage your children to create their own synopsis of the story. Ask them what they think might happen next or have them come up with an alternate ending. Let them use their imagination.

Take books with you wherever you go. Keep a supply in the car.

Set an example. Your children look up to you. If they see you reading for enjoyment, they’ll want to read too.

Like Patterson’s note to his son, this is my letter to you. Take some time and start reading to your preschoolers. It is up to you to build a strong foundation and bring about endless joy in their lives.

Here is a small sampling of authors who write books for preschool children. Local libraries, bookstores and preschools should be able to provide parents with additional lists.

Eric Carle: The Very Quiet Cricket; The Very Hungry Caterpillar; The Grouchy Ladybug; The Tiny Seed; 10 Little Rubber Ducks

Bill Martin Jr.: Barn Dance; Chicka, Chicka, Boom, Boom; Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What do you hear?; Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What to do see?

Leo Lionni: Swimmy; Inch by Inch; A Color of His Own; A Busy Year

Lois Ehlert: Nuts to You!; Snowballs; Eating the Alphabet; Oodles of Animals

Norman Bridwell: Clifford the Big Red Dog; Clifford’s First Snowy Day; Clifford’s First School Day; Clifford the Firehouse Dog

Eric Hill: Good Night, Spot; Spot Goes to School; Spot Loves His Daddy; Spot’s Birthday Party

Kristen Medica is from the Children's Hunger Alliance.