Building Pre-Reading Skills in Preschoolers

Literacy development begins in infancy and continues throughout early childhood. Here are engaging ways to build the foundation for reading success.

Essential Pre-Reading Skills

1. Phonological Awareness

The ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words:

• Sing songs and rhymes
• Play rhyming games
• Clap out syllables in names and words
• Play with alliteration ("silly, sassy snake")

2. Print Awareness

Understanding that print carries meaning:

• Point to words while reading
• Show that we read left to right
• Identify letters in the environment
• Write your child's name on their artwork

3. Letter Knowledge

Recognizing and naming letters:

• Read alphabet books
• Make letters with playdough
• Hunt for letters on signs and labels
• Start with the letters in their name

4. Vocabulary Development

Building word knowledge:

• Have conversations throughout the day
• Read diverse books together
• Introduce new words and explain meanings
• Encourage questions and curiosity

Reading Together: Best Practices

1. Make it interactive: Ask questions, make predictions, discuss the story
2. Read it again: Repetition builds comprehension and confidence
3. Let them "read" to you: Retelling stories in their own words builds skills
4. Choose quality books: Rich language, engaging stories, diverse characters
5. Follow their interests: Dinosaurs, trucks, princesses—enthusiasm drives learning
6. Establish a routine: Daily reading time, even just 15 minutes, makes a difference

Beyond Books

Literacy skills develop through many activities:

• Dramatic play: Pretending to read menus, write shopping lists
• Writing center: Provide paper, crayons, markers, pencils
• Environmental print: Read signs, labels, logos together
• Storytelling: Encourage oral storytelling about their day
• Songs and fingerplays: Build phonological awareness

Red Flags to Watch For

Consult with teachers or specialists if your child:

• Shows no interest in books or being read to
• Has difficulty learning letters after repeated exposure
• Struggles to hear rhymes or distinguish sounds
• Has limited vocabulary compared to peers
• Doesn't attempt to write or make letter-like marks

Our Literacy-Rich Environment

At ABC Children Centre, we:

• Read aloud multiple times daily
• Provide diverse, high-quality books
• Label classroom items to build print awareness
• Offer writing materials in every learning center
• Teach letter sounds through songs and games
• Celebrate emerging literacy skills

Remember, every child develops at their own pace. Our goal is to foster a love of reading that will last a lifetime!