We all know reading to our kids is a good thing—but do you really know the rewards your toddler or preschool-age child can receive just spending 30 minutes a day reading? Below are some benefits of reading to your child between the ages of two and five.

1. A stronger relationship with you. As your child grows older, he’ll be on the move—playing, running, and constantly exploring his environment. Snuggling up with a book lets the two of you slow down and recaptures that sweet, cuddly time you enjoyed when he was a baby. Instead of being seen as a chore or a task, reading will become a nurturing activity that will bring the two of you closer together.

 

1. Academic excellence. One of the primary benefits of reading to toddlers and preschoolers is a higher aptitude for learning in general. Numerous studies have shown that students who are exposed to reading before preschool are more likely to do well in all facets of formal education. After all, if a student struggles to put together words and sentences, how can he be expected to grasp the math, science, and social concepts he’ll be presented with when he begins elementary school?

 

1. Basic speech skills. Throughout toddlerhood and preschool, your child is learning critical language and enunciation skills. By listening to you read One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, your child is reinforcing the basic sounds that form language. “Pretend reading”—when a toddler pages through a book with squeals and jabbers of delight—is a very important pre-literacy activity. As a preschooler, your child will likely begin sounding out words on his own.

 

1. The basics of how to read a book. Children aren’t born with an innate knowledge that text is read from left to right, or that the words on a page are separate from the images. Essential pre-reading skills like these are among the major benefits of early reading.

 

1. Better communication skills. When you spend time reading to toddlers, they’ll be much more likely to express themselves and relate to others in a healthy way. By witnessing the interactions between the characters in the books you read, as well as the contact with you during story time, your child is gaining valuable communication skills.

 

1. Mastery of language. Early reading for toddlers has been linked to a better grasp of the fundamentals of language as they approach school age.

 

1. More logical thinking skills. Another illustration of the importance of reading to children is their ability to grasp abstract concepts, apply logic in various scenarios, recognize cause and effect, and utilize good judgment. As your toddler or preschooler begins to relate the scenarios in books to what’s happening in his own world, he’ll become more excited about the stories you share.

 

1. Acclimation to new experiences. As your child approaches a major developmental milestone or a potentially stressful experience, sharing a relevant story is a great way to help ease the transition. For instance, if your little one is nervous about starting preschool, reading a story dealing with this topic shows her that her anxiety is normal.

 

1. Enhanced concentration and discipline. Toddlers may initially squirm and become distracted during story time, but eventually they’ll learn to stay put for the duration of the book. Along with reading comprehension comes a stronger self-discipline, longer attention span, and better memory retention, all of which will serve your child well when she enters school.

 

1. The knowledge that reading is fun! Early reading for toddlers helps them view books as an indulgence, not a chore. Kids who are exposed to reading are much more likely to choose books over video games, television, and other forms of entertainment as they grow older.

 
Books have the power to benefit toddlers and preschoolers in a myriad of ways. As a parent, reading to your child is one of the most important things you can do to prepare him with a foundation for academic excellence.
 
https://www.earlymoments.com
 
DID YOU KNOW CCCP HAS A LIBRARY, AND YOU CAN CHECK OUT BOOKS?
Pop in the preschool office, brows our books and check one out! (Please sign your books out on the sign out sheet on the Dino Bulletin board by the books). Reading to your children is a great way to connect and spend time together, but its also vital to language development and sets them up for success...
The link provides more info...
http://www.familyresource.com/parenting/child-development/why-reading-is-so-important-for-children
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Sno-Isle Libraries for Snohomish County  http://www.sno-isle.org/
                100 Essential books before Kindergarten: http://www.sno-isle.org/kids/booklists/?rid=371
 


Reading is not only for kids! I helps parents reduce stress, and soooo much more:
http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-reading-why-you-should-read-everyday.html
Cedar Cross UMC has a yearly Christmas pageant - Your Kiddo's are invited to join us! Talk to Katie for details!
Upcoming Dates/Event: * ALL families are welcome, invited, and encouraged to participate in all events and activities
 
 
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Whether this is your first year to Cedar Cross, or you and your child are returning WELCOME TO PRESCHOOL!!  

We're just a little over two weeks from starting our school year (September 14th), so now is a great time to think about how to get our kiddos ready for their first day. 

Talk about preschool!
Your child is probably already excited about the possibility of going to school.  Get them ready to go by talking to them about what they can expect, who their teacher will be, all the new friends they will make, and how excited you are for them.   

Reading a story about preschool is another fun way to prepare them.  Check out these books about school. 

Get a Sneak Peek at Preschool
Let your kiddo have a chance to ease into their new environment. We setup activities leading up to the school year to give you and your child a chance to acclimate to the preschool environment.  Hopefully you attended your picnic this week, you and your child can also come to the Open House on September 11th to see their teacher again and explore the classrooms. 


Start your preschool day rituals early
If you're like me, your schedule has become shifted over the summer and bedtimes have gotten a little later than usual.  Now is the time to start making those shifts so early mornings aren't a shock to their little systems. 


Don't Fret!
Every child and every family is different. Your child may react to their first day exactly as you expect, or they might surprise you.  When my oldest started with Teacher Geralynn like she was a pro.  My youngest who has pretty much grown up at Cedar Cross . . .not so much . . .   Your child might cry, you might cry, whatever happens it's all okay! Your teachers, and the other parents in your class will be great resources and support for you as your family makes the transition, so reach out to them.  

I'm excited for our first day, I hope you are too!! 

See you around school - 

Leia Davis
Cedar Cross Coop Preschool
Board Chair