Just because you might not enjoy classic literature or works of contemporary fiction doesn't mean that you aren't qualified to help your child improve her literacy skills.

Nor should you feel guilty if flipping through the pages of the daily newspaper, or a sports magazine is the only real reading you do on a daily basis.

Some of us, particularly if we spend our working lives reading documents and papers, would rather relax with more pleasurable reading material like magazines and articles. The thought of slogging through a Booker Prize winning work after a long day in the office really doesn't appeal.

Similarly, when you read with your child you don't necessarily need to be reading 'prescribed' books either. If the thought of reading the same old picture book for the hundredth time fills you with dread, why not read a comic book or cartoon strip with your little one instead?

If you have a hobby or interest (or did have before you had children!) reading books, magazines or articles about it with your child could be a way to get him interested in it too. Plus it's far more likely that you will be enthusiastic about the reading session.

Homeschool Preschool?   What is it, you ask?  Thinking about doing it, but don’t how to start?  Let’s give it a whirl!

It’s a really simple concept.  You’re probably not aware of how much you are a teacher right now.  If your child is already three or four, do you realize how much you’ve taught them already?  Lots!  Who taught them how to dress, how to wash up, how to take a bath, how to tie their shoes or what was dangerous or safe?  You and your  family, that’s who.  You’ve been teaching every since they can remember.  Why not keep it going?

Homeschool preschool will not be that much different from what you’ve already done, you’ll just be more conscious and aware of it. 

We’ll begin with reading.  Well, not reading actually.  More like “pre-reading”.  Getting them prepared for the real thing.  You’ll make them aware of words and their meaning in putting together sentences the right way.  You’ll start by talking to them around a half hour a day while going about your daily routines.  And talk to them with grown-up words, not baby talk.  While you’re on a walk with them, driving in the car, doing your shopping or cooking in the kitchen.  All this talking will actually give them a better chance at learning to read.  Kids from silent homes actually struggle more with reading.

Then start reading to them, again around a half hour per day.  Start when they’re in the crib if you want to.  They might not understand you, but their little brains are going to want to very fast.  Read from picture books pointing out which pictures go with which words.