When reading to, or with your child, point out special punctuation in sentences. Discuss current events, your child's ideas and different points of view on issues. Read with your child about people and events that have made a difference in the world, and discuss the readings together. Make maps, globes and the Internet available to your child and use every opportunity to refer to them. Create a treasure map for children to find hidden treats in the backyard or inside the house.
Treasure maps work especially well for birthday parties.
Help your child find your street on a city map. See if your child can find the streets of relatives or friends. Watch travel programs on television and discuss the differences and similarities between where you live and the featured place. Take your child to visit the different political, residential, recreational, ethnic, and commercial regions of your city. Discuss how they are alike and different.