Build a collection of quality preschool books. Start with well-known authors such as Eric Carle, Margaret Wise Brown, and Tomie dePaola, to name a few. Create a comfortable reading corner and stock it with enchanting story books and cozy seating. Take a field trip to the local library and check out the preschool section. Librarians are happy to help you find the very best books.
Read the same stories to them over and over. Children will remember many of the words and begin to say the words along with you. Repeat words to plant them into the child's long term memory. Engage them with books like "The Little Engine that Could," by Watty Piper. Encourage them to say, "I think I can, I think I can!" or other repeating phrases. Spare some time for the child to look at the pages, reading the story back to you. Allow kids time to explore and touch books on their own, honing in on their favorites.
Instruct children to interact with the story. Use props such as small toys or puppets to bring the story to life. Ask children to predict the next scenarios. Inquire as to what the child believes should happen next in the story or how he would react under similar circumstances. After the story is over, take time to discuss the story together and gain a child's perspective and impression of the storyline. Enjoy a time of playful drama as you act out portions of the story together or spend a few moments drawing and coloring a few scenes from the story with crayons and paper.
Ask the child to tell a story about his very own family. Offer specific questions about each family member's likes, dislikes, talents, abilities and special qualities. Expand the family story by talking about the child's favorite places in the community such as parks, schools and stores. Explore the child's inner wishes by using a sentence starter, such as "I wish..." Play the listener as you encourage the child to recite a short epic about real or imaginary hopes and dreams. Another option is to enjoy a game of Word-egorie, in which you both brainstorm about words that belong in the same categories, such as things at the beach or things associated with Valentine's Day.