Everyday Early Literacy Activities

 

Early literacy activities can be both fun and beneficial for young children! A local children’s group once used the slogan “Everyday moments are learning moments” and I would like to expound on that by adding that everyday moments can become early literacy teaching moments, you just may not realize it!  Here are some enjoyable everyday  activities that promote literacy skills in little ones:

1.      Reading Aloud: Read to your child every day. Choose colorful books with engaging pictures and simple text. This helps them associate reading with pleasure and helps build vocabulary.  If you and your child are not enjoying the book, then put it down and pick up a new one.  You do not have to finish a book you do not like!  (unless it is for an assignment!)

2.      Sing Songs and Rhymes: Nursery rhymes and songs are excellent for developing phonemic awareness—the ability to hear and identify different sounds in words. They also teach rhythm and rhyme, which are important pre-reading skills.  Many books have been written so that you can sing them to familiar tunes.

3.      Letter Recognition Games: Use magnetic letters or alphabet blocks to play games where your child identifies letters. You can ask them to find specific letters or even spell out simple words.  Look for the letters (or maybe “letter of the day”) when you’re out shopping or running errands.

4.      Storytelling: Encourage your child to tell stories, even if they are simple and short. This helps them understand narrative structure and boosts their imagination.  Use their familiar toys as storytelling prompts or tell a story together with you each taking turns.  This is really fun on a long car ride!

5.      Visit the Library: As a librarian, of course I am going to add this to the list!  Take regular trips to the library with your child. Many libraries have storytime sessions for young children, which often include interactive storytelling and activities.

6.      Writing Activities: Provide crayons, markers, and large paper for your child to scribble and draw. One of my favorite pictures of my daughter is of her covered with washable marker. I turned my back 30 seconds! As kids get older, encourage them to try writing letters or their name, not on their own skin!

7.      Word Games: Play simple word games like "I Spy" where you describe an object using its attributes ("I spy something red and round"). This helps children learn descriptive language and again, it is a fun way to pass the time on long trips.  One of our favorite is the alphabet game - each person getting a letter of the alphabet in turn and having to come up with an animal.  We are all sure x-ray fish are real. 

8.      Create a Print-Rich Environment: There is a reason teacher's do this in the classroom! Label items around the house with words and pictures. This helps children make connections between spoken and written words.  When you are grocery shopping, look for the labels in the store.

9.      Technology: I'm not ignoring tech.  It's here to stay.  Use age-appropriate educational apps or websites that focus on early literacy skills. Some apps offer interactive stories, letter tracing, and phonics games.  Check your library to see if they have iPads or computers for children to use that have vetted materials. 

10.  Be a Role Model: Let your child see you reading books, writing, and enjoying language in various forms. Children often mimic what they see adults doing.

Remember, the key is to make these activities enjoyable and not to pressure your child. Every child develops at their own pace, so make literacy activities a natural part of daily routines and playtime.