Literacy Skills for Preschoolers

Pre-reading learning activities are an essential part of a preschooler’s education. Reading, writing, and communicating are valuable tools which can be taught at an early age. Parents can encourage pre-reading, writing, and communication skills during daily activities. You can easily enhance your child’s proficiency by incorporating simple activities and conversations at home.

Pre-Reading Activities

• When reading to your child, follow the words with your finger to emphasize left to right progression of the written words on the page.
• Look for letters and words the child can read, STOP, EXIT, names of family members, etc.
• Encourage daily quiet reading for the whole family.
• Build a family library.
• Make story time with both books and oral stories, a regular part of the bedtime routine.
• Model reading skills and an enjoyment of books. Avoid electronic books.

Writing Activities

• Draw pictures together. Describe what you’re drawing in detail.
• Ask your child to help with the grocery list, both in writing the list and reading while shopping.
• Play alphabet games. Look for letters in books, at the store or at school.
• Write the words as your child tells a story then illustrate it together, describing the pictures.
• Write thank you notes as a family.

Oral Communication Activities

• Interact with your kids. Talk about what you’re doing while preparing dinner.
• Discuss how things work using descriptive words.
• Ask open-ended questions rather than “yes-no” questions. Expect an answer.
• Use FaceTime or Skype for children to talk to grandparents and other relatives and friends.
• Body language is a large part of the communication equation. Show children how to read cues.

Play 

• Make play part of your day with your child.
• Play enhances literacy development and communication skills too!

Literacy is defined as writing and reading to interpret and communicate meaning to others. Both intentional and spontaneous learning is helpful in gaining competence and confidence. Make the most of everyday opportunities to encourage your child. And PLAY, every single day, incorporating reading, writing, and speaking skills.

The discerning heart seeks knowledge…
Proverbs 15:14a

© 2020 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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