Create a "Words I Know" Book

It all starts with a hunt. You know that speed limit sign your son gleefully points out each time your drive him to preschool, or that fast food sign your daughter can recognize at the drop of a hat? Well, you're going to use those words to your advantage, and create a book your kid can read all by herself.

Start by telling your preschooler that you're going on a word hunt. Strap on your walking shoes, grab the digital camera, and go for a walk or drive through your neighborhood to take pictures of familiar signs.  These can be street signs, road signs, advertisements, or logos. Also consider the words your child can read in your home: cereal boxes or other food packaging, family members’ names, names of stores on ads in the newspaper, book titles and so on.

Once you've gathered all those recognizable words together, print out the pictures and glue each photo or word onto a half sheet of paper. Staple the pages together to make a simple book that your child can read independently.

Every book needs a cover. Ask your child to decorate a piece of cardboard or cardstock with the title “Words I Know” and be sure to have them list themselves as the author.  You can stop right there, or include an "About the Author" page complete with a photo of your child. Use your imagination and make sure to get your child involved!

While in the beginning, your son or daughter will likely be using memorization to recall the words, that won't always be the case.  As confidence grows, ask your child to look at the letters in each word. Ask simple questions: What letter does that word begin with? What sound does that letter make? Can you think of any other words that start with that sound?

Soon, all those "Words I Know" will lead to new words. And just think, it all started with a few fast food signs...