Final answer:
Preschool programs should emphasize reading readiness activities to build foundational skills for reading.
Step-by-step explanation:
Preschool programs should emphasize reading readiness activities rather than direct instruction of reading. Reading readiness activities focus on developing foundational skills such as phonological awareness, letter recognition, and vocabulary building, which prepare children for formal reading instruction in later grades. These activities can include storytelling, rhyming games, alphabet recognition exercises, and vocabulary-building activities.
By prioritizing reading readiness activities, preschool programs can help students develop a strong foundation for reading, which will make the transition to formal reading instruction in later grades easier and more successful. Direct instruction of reading may be too advanced for preschoolers and could potentially frustrate or overwhelm them.