Pre-K Reading

I recently received an e-mail from a friend who is concerned that she is not doing enough to stimulate an interest in reading for her three-year-old daughter.  She asked for my suggestions.  I told my friend I believe it is important to read to a young child at least 30 minutes every day.  Some reading experts think that 10 minutes of reading per day is sufficient, but I disagree.  In my experience I don't think a parent can read a story and adequately discuss the main points of said story in 10 minutes.  Reading 20-30 minutes every day will provide time for the parent and child to discuss the story, and the longer the time parents have to read to their preschooler, the longer the child's attention span and better listening skills will be developed.  I realize some children don't have the attention span for 20-30 minutes of reading, but my friend could gradually increase the time she reads to her child.  I also suggested to my friend that she read a variety of non-fiction to her preschooler.  By reading to her daughter every day about a variety of subjects helps expand the child's knowledge base. By the time the preschooler arrives in kindergarten, the child should have a few worldly insights about a variety of topics.  I also suggested that my friend read everything to her preschooler.  For example, point out food labels, newspaper headlines, magazine covers, words on street signs, names of restaurants and so forth.  By exposing a preschooler to this kind of reading, the child will be able to make accurate observations about the world.  Finally, I believe parents should use a rich vocabulary when talking with their child.  For example, the ice cream cone didn't just taste "good" it was "delicious".  Preschoolers and kindergarteners who have a rich vocabulary are better able to express themselves.