Preschool teachers need to maintain a literacy-rich classroom environment by keeping a well-stocked library of children's books and encouraging students to read often. The walls should be covered with alphabet posters and words that the children have learned throughout the year. Teachers can also designate a reading area in a corner of the room supplied with pillows and comfortable chairs. Children will be more apt to enjoy books in this atmosphere.
Teachers enhance reading in the classroom every time they read aloud to the children. Not only do preschool children enjoy being read to, they learn many important pre-reading skills, such as tracking words, left to right progression of print, and using pictures as context clues.
Preschool teachers usually introduce basic phonics skills such as letter names and sounds. Children who can identify letters easily and produce their associated sounds will develop phonological awareness, which is essential for proficient reading. Teachers should introduce letters and sounds together and review them frequently with the children.
Preschool teachers need to show their students how to make connections to the books read in class. For example, after reading Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham," the teacher can talk to the children about times they tried a new food and ended up liking it. Usually, when students realize that they can relate to the stories they hear, their comprehension will improve.