A photo moment with the children at Salem Lutheran Preschool. Louie’s sitting on my lap.
Building a Foundation
One of the most loving things a person can do is read to a child. Reading builds a bond and a foundation for later success through introducing vocabulary and language skills.
I recently was invited to read my children’s books at Salem Lutheran Church Preschool in Salisbury, NC. Preschoolers are a delight because they are inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions or share information about what’s going on in their lives.
The first group were the twos and threes, followed by the four-year-olds. One of the little fellas in the four-year-old class, said, “I know you.” Although he recognized me he didn’t know from where. When I explained I used to live next door to his uncle in the house with all the cars, the lightbulb went off and he said, “Oh, yeah.”
After the children settled down, we sang a song and then I read, Tired of My Bath. This book opens with John Allen telling his mom he doesn’t want to take a bath. His mom warns him if he doesn’t he’ll smell bad. John Allen finally realized he should have listened when his little dog, Louie, hides under the bed from the smell. Even though the story was about John Allen taking a bath, some of the children were eager to tell about their dogs taking a bath.
The next book I read was Tired of Being Little. In this story, John Allen discovers being little is a good thing and the moral lesson is learning to be content. After I read the story, the children and I posed for a photo with Louie. Some wanted to pet him, while others wanted to know if he was real or just pretend. I let them make up their own minds.
Both of my grandsons have been in the preschool program at Salem, so I’m aware of the well-rounded curriculum the faculty and staff provide. Not only do the children learn about the world around them through books and reading, but they also learn through field trips, creative art, music, dramatic play, group activities and devotions. Dana Robertson, the director, said, “We believe it’s important to give children opportunities to explore, experience and ask questions.” I’m glad they invite authors like me to answer some of those questions.
Thanks, Salem Lutheran Church Preschool for inviting me to read.
What experience(s) have you had reading to children? Did something funny happen? Leave a comment below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
