There are activities that don’t look like reading at all, but they set the stage for a child to become a reader. These pre-reading behaviours can appear spontaneously through a child’s own observation or from an adult encouraging them.
Try and encourage the following:
Awareness of print on signs, labels, packaging.
Children will be able to recognise a sign or a label, before they can actually read the letters.
So going out on walks and supermarket visits are perfect for this. It's a brilliant way to encourage speaking and listening, along with helping recognising letters and sounds.
Does the child know which way is up on a book? Do they have a sense that the pages turn one at a time and always in the same direction? As you read, point to the words so they can see you are reading from left to right.
Phonics games are really beneficial too. You could try sound discrimination and manipulation games along with some rhyme awareness activities. Check out some of our phonics videos for ideas and inspiration.
When a child demonstrates these behaviours and abilities, they may be ready to learn to read. If not, don't worry, work activities like these into your daily routine to help guide them in the right direction.
Continue to read aloud to your children, and if they learn that reading is an enjoyable experience through observing you, they will be motivated to learn the skill themselves.
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