Developing Early Childhood Literacy Skills

Just because your child is not learning to read yet, it does not mean that it is too early to start laying the foundations for this all important step. Reading, writing and oral language abilities actually all develop together, beginning from the moment of birth and evolving gradually over time.

Probably the most important thing you can do to develop early childhood literacy skills is to read aloud to your child. Pick up a book and read it aloud to your child. Then another. Then another. The benefits of such a simple activity are endless.

There are also other interesting and meaningful early childhood literacy activities which you can do with your child to help put them on the path to becoming a successful reader.

Keep reading to find out more.

Why Read Aloud to Your Child?

When I had my first child I remember reading and hearing lots of advice about the importance of reading aloud to my child. It seemed like a sensible thing to do, probably because I remember being read to as a child too. However, I am not sure anyone ever explained to me in detail why it was so important.

It wasn't until some time later that I discovered how reading aloud to your child helps him become a successful reader. Exposure to lots of preschool books leads to your child developing a rich vocabulary. This improves his reading and listening comprehension resulting in school success.

How Should You Read Aloud?

What can be more intimate than snuggling up with your child and reading a book aloud to him. Reading to children helps to develop a strong emotional bond between parents and their children. You can also use that precious time to start to develop the basic early childhood literacy skills your child will need to ultimately become a successful reader.

Make reading sessions interactive and stimulate your child's comprehension of what you are reading. Talk about how books work and point out letter and sound connections. Make the most of this special time together.

What Else Can You Do?

In addition to reading aloud to your child, there are many other things you can do in and around the home to develop his preschool literacy skills of reading, writing and language development. By learning these skills long before he can actually read or write, your child is more likely to experience later success in reading and writing. And it's never too early to start.

Try these early childhood literacy activities to help your child recognise the letters of the alphabet and the sounds which the letters make. Or these phonics games will help to build your child's awareness of sounds in words. My children have had great fun playing these early reading games which are perfect for children aged three and over.