The following is excerpted from Parents Treasury of Creative Ideas for Learning Readiness from Before Five in a Row. © 1997 by Jane Claire Lambert, all rights reserved.

The many ideas that follow may seem overwhelming at first glance. But take time, find a quiet spot and enjoy musing over the many possibilities. This list is not a must do list. Rather, it is composed of many suggestions. These activity ideas are to encourage and guide you as you create enjoyable times for your child, and to inspire your own creative ideas. They are certainly not meant to be done all at once! During these early childhood years, you will enjoy incorporating many of these creative ideas into the time you spend with your child.

Most suggestions include an explanation of how they help build a foundation of readiness in some area of your child's life. His readiness for relationships and academics comes in part from encouraging his curiosity and imagination, and from his sense of security born of memorable times spent with you. The suggestions are divided into categories so that you will be able to review them quickly and find what you need. Many of the suggestions will overlap the categories and you will see them more than once.

Now is the only early childhood you will ever be able to share with your child. These are golden years. It might be worthwhile to once again thoughtfully consider how you really want to spend your time. What could you put off until later in order to maximize and preserve these few precious years with your child? Perhaps that new project, full-time caree, new car, new house or dream vacation can be put off for another year or two. Your sacrifice today will mean a stronger academic and emotional future for your child tomorrow. Your love, time and attention mean so much. In a child's world, there is simply no substitute for you!