BUILDING BLOCK

1Before a child can learn to read, she has to become aware of the written word through her senses. In the case of reading, you see the word and you hear it when it's said out loud. And then the word needs to be interpreted, of course – in other words, a meaning has to be attached to the word.

The only way in which a meaning can be attached to a word is when your child has pre-learnt what the word could mean. And the only way this can happen is if you expose her to an extensive vocabulary from a young age.

Speak to your child. Talk and talk and talk – it's the only way in which she can learn words and their meanings. And never stop reading to her. Show her pictures and play children's songs. Teach her songs, rhymes and poems, and make up your own rhymes. This is how you extend her vocabulary.