Developing Pre-Reading Literacy in Children: How to Support Your Child on the Path to Reading
Pre-reading literacy is a term used to describe the skills and abilities that children develop before they learn to read and write. It's an essential phase in developing children's language and communication skills. It's a set of skills and knowledge that children acquire before formal schooling begins, helping them develop language and cognitive abilities. As parents, you can play a crucial role in supporting pre-reading literacy in your children. Here are some tips on supporting your child on this exciting journey.
Read together every day: One of the most important ways to support pre-reading literacy in children is by reading with them regularly. Reading together daily strengthens the bond between you and your child and helps develop their vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination.
Provide access to books: Keep plenty of books in your home and let your children access them. Let them explore various genres, pictures, and stories. Books with colourful pictures and simple texts are ideal for young children, while older children may be interested in fairy tales, adventures, or factual books.
Play with letters and words: Fun games with letters and words can be a great way to engage children in learning. Try making words from letters or coming up with rhymes. You can also use letter magnets on the fridge and let your children create words or short sentences.
Encourage questions and discussions: Foster your children's curiosity by responding to their questions and encouraging conversations about the books they've read. Questions like "Why did this happen?" or "What will happen next?" can develop their understanding of the story and strengthen critical thinking.
Visit libraries and bookstores: Visit local libraries and bookstores and let your children explore a wide range of books. Many libraries also offer storytelling sessions for children and various creative workshops that can increase their interest in reading.
Be an example: Mimic a positive attitude towards reading and show your children that reading is fun and essential. When they see that you enjoy books and read yourself, they are likely to follow your example.
Supporting pre-reading literacy in children is crucial for their success in school and life. With your support and involvement, your children can build a solid foundation for reading and learning, helping them develop into creative and informed individuals. Be present, encourage them, and witness their rise to literary proficiency.
