Reading Readiness

 

Adults can prepare children to learn to read through many simple activities every day. Reading out loud to children is the most important activity. Early reading skills help children achieve greater school success over time.

 

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5 Critical skills for reading readiness

 

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Print and book awareness

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The ability to understand that the print on paper represents words that carry meaning is called ‘print awareness’. This awareness help children learn the connection between written and oral language. There are many ways children can learn print awareness, such as holding a book the correct way; reading from left to right, or differentiating the front from the back of a book.

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Know their ABCs

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The more your child recognizes the letters of the alphabet, letter names, and sounds, the more ready they are to begin to read. While this skill is essential in reading, your child does not need to master all letters before they start reading.

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Listening and retelling

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Children with strong listening skills develop a wide vocabulary and make better connections between their experience and the environment. These skills help your child to understand the meanings of words and to relate to them.

 

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Phonological awareness

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This is the awareness of the sound structure of words. Developing this skill helps children understand how sounds combine to make words and will help with reading.

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Interest in reading

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Involve everyone in the family and make reading a habit. Create a routine that helps spark and develop your child’s interest in reading. Choose engaging books and make reading interactive. Allow your child to move and act out stories.

The role of our teachers is to provide our children, especially during initial reading instruction, with the experiences and activities that will make them demonstrate the abilities stated above.​