🌟 Building Early Reading Skills🌟
Many parents are interested in knowing more about pre-literacy skills. These foundational skills set the stage for reading and writing success. Understanding skill progression can help us support our children as they transition to the next stage. It is important to note that both K1 and K2 children could be along this continuum. Here are a few progress makers for early reading skills:
Print Awareness:
Children should understand that print carries meaning. They might recognise some letters and understand that reading goes from left to right.
Phonological Awareness:
Children should start to recognise and manipulate sounds in words. They might be able to rhyme, identify initial letter sounds, or blend letter sounds.
Story Comprehension:
Children should be able to retell stories, identify characters, and predict what might happen next in a story.
How Parents Can Support Early Reading Skills:
• Read Together: Make reading a daily habit. Choose a variety of books and discuss the stories with your child. Many children enjoy non-fiction books as well, which supports inquiry and research skills.
• Engage in Rhymes and Songs: Singing and rhyming help develop phonological awareness. Use nursery rhymes and simple songs to make learning fun!
• Explore Letters: Point out print in your environment (NOT flash cards), such as on signs or food packaging. Encourage your child to identify letters and sounds in playful and meaningful ways, such as in names or familiar signs.
