One of the single most important ways you can prepare children for reading is to provide them with experiences that increase their understanding of concepts and build vocabulary. Box Decorate a large box with fabric or paper. Collect scraps of paper, wood, and an assortment of objects of varied sizes and textures. Show the children which objects you will place in the box. Make an opening in the lid of the box large enough for a child to place his or her hand through to the inside.
Children can take turns reaching inside and describing how an object feels.
Ask them to try to guess what the object is. Photo Cards A set of photo cards can be used to stimulate language. Most early chilhood educational supply companies have sets of photo cards that can be used to stimulate language and increase children's conceptual development. Show several pictures to a child. Invite the child to tell a story about the picture.