Beginning Literacy Ideas
These ideas can be done in any language. Research has shown that children who build strong literacy skills in their home language, quickly and easily transfer those skills to their second (or third) language. Making learning consistent and fun are the keys for success.
Letter Work:
1. Sort letters into groups such as vowels and consonants.
2. Paint letters with water and a brush on a chalkboard or outside on the sidewalk on a sunny day.
3. Write letters with fingers using sand, sugar, finger paint, etc.
4. Use magnetic letters and play "letter soup." Child finds letter in a pile by hearing the sound the letter makes.
5. Put a magnetic letter in a bag and have child feel the letter and then name it.
6. Play matching games like upper case to lower case, print to cursive, etc.
7. Make alphabet books.
Word Work:
1. Make words with magnetic letter. (give child only the letters he/she may need).
2. Play bingo, board games, etc.
3. Match words.
4. Play "flash" using words on cards. Child names the word when you flash it before you take it away.
Phonemic Awareness:
1. Play rhyming games
2. Use push boxes to make (encode) sounds.
3. Chant sounds, blends, etc.
Reading:
1. Read easy books to start.
2. Make easy books with your child - one line of print with noticeable spaces between words.
3. Reread familiar books. Children LOVE books with a pattern.
4. Read books to your child that are higher than their reading level.
Writing:
1. Write known letters.
2. Write known words.
3. When writing a book with your child, have child participate by writing known words or letters by himself/herself. You fill in the part he/she is unsure of.
4. Practice writing by making lists. This is great for vocabulary development. Examples, grocery list, things to do on the weekend, favorite pets/animals, etc.
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