Tip 72 – Use your child’s inborn drive of curiosity to the fullest.

Choose your own place to create a “Secret Message” for your child. Make one everyday, every few days, or once a week… your choice

Here are some popular ways to write these:

• On a small chalkboard with chalk
• On a dry erase board with proper markers
• On a plain piece of paper with crayons

No matter how you write yours or where you decide to put it, place a piece of paper over it to cover it up. No part should be seen easily… because… this is a “secret” message.

Match your message to the reading level of your child. Even if your child cannot read, make a simple message that you can read to your child whenever you see him or her lifting up your paper cover to see what might be under it.

Make your message into an action request. Once your child gets the hang of this, he or she will love to surprise you with his or her ability to carry out the directions. No pressure here. No need for your child to be right or perform… just a happy interchange between the two of you and a chance for your child to enjoy natural growth in the reading process.

*Adapted from Make Your Own Preschool Games: A Personalized Play and Learn Program by Sally Goldberg, p. 166 – 167.

Parenting Insight…

Curiosity is the drive, and surprise is the fun.

A Bouquet of Positive Feelings!

Our book Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman continues…

So hold your head high

and don’t be afraid

to march to the front

of your own parade

If you’re still my small babe

or you’re all the way grown,

my promise to you

is you’re never alone.