You know, I use to worry about this.  English is a very confusing language.  So many letters make several different sounds.  Some words look alike, but sound different.  Some words look alike but mean totally different things.  How am I going to teach them all of that?

The answer is pretty simple. Read to them.  Studies have proven that children that are read to on a regular basis have an easier time learning to read.  Maybe that’s because they have a love for books that helps them perservere, even when it seems frustrating and difficult. 

I don’t believe in pushing my children to read.  I know they are interested in the alphabet and writing.  My five year old now wants to sound out letters.  She likes to point out which letters are in our names. 

“Your name starts with the same letter my name starts with, Mommy!”

I know five year olds who can write and spell small words, but I’m not interested in how fast she can get it down.  I also see five year olds who have been pressured to write and spell and are struggling to do so. They don’t enjoy reading.  They are only interested in the pictures in the books.

Nowdays, children are reading fewer books.  They’re more interested in television and video games.  Parents don’t “have time” (or make time) to read to their children. 

As a child, I absolutely loved books.  It was like slipping away into another world.  My imagination ticked away as I flipped through the pages.

I believe, we do our children a great disservice if we neglect books.