Turn it Upside Down and Right Side Up

I am fascinated that my 3-year-old already knows when the cover of a book is upside down.  Maybe all kids his age are like that, but I'm thrilled he's pointing out that detail. 

I plan to use this as an opportunity to teach him Concepts of Print, which is a California state standard for students in Kindergarten and 1st grades.  When children are tested on Concepts of Print, they are asked to position the book right side up, differentiate between pictures and text, indicate that reading is done from left to right, point out a word, point out a letter, identify punctuation marks, etc.

So when reading with your child, it's a good idea to sit side by side, and informally mention some of these facts - maybe not all in one sitting, but a little at a time.  He/She might not get it right away, but by the time school starts, the background knowledge will be there.