Early Literacy Skills: Building a Foundation for Reading Success

Long before a child can read independently, they are developing crucial early literacy skills. These skills form the foundation for reading success and a lifelong love of learning. As parents, we can play a vital role in nurturing these skills from a young age.

What are early literacy skills?

Early literacy skills are the building blocks of reading and writing. They include:

• Phonological awareness: The ability to hear and manipulate the sounds in spoken language. This includes recognizing rhymes, identifying beginning and ending sounds of words, and breaking words into syllables.
• Print awareness: Understanding that print carries meaning and has different functions. This includes recognizing letters, knowing how to hold a book, and understanding that we read from left to right and top to bottom.
• Vocabulary: The knowledge of words and their meanings. A rich vocabulary is essential for comprehension and communication.
• Narrative skills: The ability to understand and tell stories. This includes sequencing events, identifying characters, and understanding cause and effect.
• Print motivation: A child’s interest in and enjoyment of books and reading.

How can parents support early literacy development?

• Read aloud every day: Make reading aloud a part of your daily routine. Choose a variety of books with engaging stories and colorful illustrations.
• Talk, talk, talk: Engage in conversations with your child throughout the day. Use rich vocabulary and encourage them to express themselves.
• Sing songs and nursery rhymes: Songs and rhymes help children develop phonological awareness by exposing them to the sounds and rhythms of language.
• Play word games: Engage in playful activities that focus on sounds and letters, such as rhyming games, alphabet puzzles, and word matching games.
• Create a print-rich environment: Surround your child with books, magazines, and other printed materials. Label objects around the house and involve them in writing activities like grocery lists and thank you notes.
• Visit the library: Make regular trips to the library and let your child choose books that interest them.
• Be a reading role model: Let your child see you reading and enjoying books. Talk about what you’re reading and share your love of literature.

By fostering these early literacy skills, you can give your child a head start on their reading journey and instill a lifelong love of learning.