Dialogic Reading Technique

• Dialogic reading technique is a method of reading to preschoolers developed by the Stony Brook Reading and Language Project. This techniques uses a PEER sequence that encourages interaction between the child and adult, while the child is being read to. PEER stands for: Prompt the child to talk about the book, evaluate what the child has said about the book, expand on what the child has said about the book and repeat the prompt to ensure the child has learned something from your expansion on the subject.
  
  The PEER sequence is used on almost every page of a picture book after the book has been read to the child once.
  
  

Your Preschooler Reading to You

• Although most preschool-aged children are not independent readers, this doesn't mean they can't read to you. The best books for this method are those that have a sentence or two that is repeated several times through the story. When you get to that sentence, point to each word as you read it, to direct your child's attention. When you reach the sentence again, encourage your child to "read" the sentence aloud with you. Once he's mastered saying it with you, let him read the sentence to you by himself. Point to each word as he says them. Eventually, allow your child to point to the words as he reads them aloud. In this way, your child will begin to build his database of sight words.
  
  

Shining Stars

• The Shining Stars literacy program developed by the National Institute of Literacy is a comprehensive method of reading to your preschooler. Parents read a story to their child and then ask their child questions about the story's content. What did the character do in the story? Why do they think the character acted the way they did? What do they think will happen next? Next, the parents talk about the words and letter sounds in the story, including pointing out words that rhymed or sentences with alliteration. Lastly, the parent talks about new words the child is unfamiliar with, giving an explanation of the word and asking them questions about related words to further build their understanding.
  
  

Making Time to Read With Your Preschooler

• In today's world, many parents feel like there simply are not enough hours in the day to get everything they need done. Finding time consistently to read to your preschooler can be a challenge. Combining reading with another activity is one way to squeeze a few extra minutes out of the day. If you find yourself pressed for time, read to your child at breakfast as the two of you share your meal together. At dinnertime, a discussion of the story that was read in the morning can further extend the learning experience.