Literacy Activities: From Infancy and Beyond
In our recent live webinar, we discussed supporting your child's reading and writing skills. In case you missed it, I’m sharing some of my favorite activities for working on literacy from preschool, to middle school, and beyond. During the webinar, parents shared tips for what worked for them and their children. See some of the great ideas below!
Infants
Oral language is the foundation for learning to read. As a parent, you play a crucial role in providing active engagement with language! The best way to prepare your kids for learning to read as infants is by talking to them.
Narrate what you are doing while playing, cooking, running errands, etc.
Explain all the things that you see throughout your day together.
Read books together!
Preschool
Most people believe that the first step to reading and writing is learning the letter names and their sounds. However, a crucial step comes before learning “A” says "ah": phonological awareness! Phonological awareness involves recognizing and manipulating word parts and individual sounds.
This can include breaking words into syllables, combining sounds to make a word, rhyming, and breaking a sentence into its parts.
Play ‘sound games’: I'm thinking of a word that begins with /b/, or I spy something that rhymes with ‘far’
Sing nursery rhymes
Change the sounds in their names or change the words in familiar songs.
Use sensory activities for letter recognition by practicing writing in the dirt, sand, or shaving cream.
Read books together!
Elementary Years
Play word games like Scrabble or Bananagrams (Wordle for older elementary kids)
While reading, talk about what is happening in the book:
Make predictions.
Describe the clues that help you make an inference.
Ask your child what they think the character will do.
Make up alternate endings for your favorite books and stories.
Read books together!
Upper Elementary/Middle School
Family book/movie night
Read the book and then watch the movie. Talk about the similarities and differences.
Journal:
Encourage your child to keep a journal or even a blog. They could also keep short-term journals, such as a travel journal.
Research and Plan an Activity:
Have your child read about a destination and then plan one activity. Think about your summer plans!
Word Activities:
Do crossword puzzles or play games like NYT Spelling Bee, Connections, and Wordle.
Hope some of these ideas have inspired you!
