WORD SMART: learning how to communicate in the world around me
Pre-reading
Pre-reading refers to the skills and knowledge children acquire before they learn to read and write. Pre-reading components include:
Oral language: Children learn to communicate and express themselves through spoken language, developing vocabulary, grammar, and social communication skills. Talk to them, read to them, sing songs, recite rhymes, encourage conversation, play games that involve language, and use correct grammar and vocabulary.
Phonological awareness: Children learn to recognize and manipulate the sounds of language. Engage children in activities that involve rhyming, alliteration, and segmenting words into sounds.
Print awareness: Children learn about the physical features of written language, Provide print-rich environments, including posters, labels, and books, and help children learn about the directionality of reading, the meaning of letters and words, and the purpose of print.
Letter knowledge: Children learn to recognize and name letters of the alphabet, both in isolation and in context. Provide opportunities for children to learn about letters and their sounds, such as letter matching games, alphabet books, and letter tracing.
Story comprehension: Children learn to understand and engage with stories, identifying characters, settings, and plot. Read aloud to children on a regular basis, exposing them to a variety of books and stories, and modeling fluent reading and expression. Help children engage with stories, ask questions, make connections, and predict what will happen next.
Play-based activities: Incorporate literacy activities into play-based learning, such as writing shopping lists, creating menus, or labeling items in the classroom.
Pre-writing
Pre-writing covers skills and activities that prepare children to learn to write.
Fine motor activities: Playing with playdough, threading beads, and using scissors help to develop the small muscles in a child’s hands that are necessary for writing.
Drawing and scribbling: Encourage children to draw and scribble with a variety of materials, such as crayons, markers, and chalk. This helps them develop their hand-eye coordination and their ability to control the tools they use.
Tracing and copying: Provide children with tracing worksheets and allow them to practice tracing shapes and lines. As they become more confident, encourage them to copy simple words and sentences.
Sensory writing: Children can practice writing letters and shapes in different sensory materials, such as sand, shaving cream, or finger paint. This engages their senses and makes the learning process more enjoyable.
Gross motor activities: Playing catch and throwing a ball help to develop a child’s hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness, which are important skills for writing.
Letter formation: Teach children to form letters correctly, starting with the letters in their name. Use visual aids and songs to help them remember the correct formation.
Games and activities: Engage children in games and activities that require them to identify and match letters and shapes. For example, a memory game using letter cards, or a scavenger hunt to find objects that match a particular shape.