Helping Your Child Build a Strong Foundation for Reading

By Read Smarter

Before children begin learning to read words on a page, there are a few key skills that help them become confident, successful readers. These foundational reading skills can be developed through simple, everyday activities at home — no flashcards or worksheets needed!

🗣️ Oral Language and Vocabulary

Talk to your child often throughout the day. Use rich, varied vocabulary and describe what you see and do together. Reading aloud is one of the best ways to build language — books expose children to words they might not hear in everyday conversation.

🎵 Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness means hearing and playing with sounds in words — without looking at the letters. Try rhyming games, clapping out syllables, or finding words that start with the same sound. These playful sound activities strengthen your child’s “ear for language.”

🔤 Blending Sounds Together

Once children can hear separate sounds, they can begin blending them to form words. For example, hearing /s/ + /a/ + /t/ and saying sat. This skill is a big step toward reading!

🧩 Segmenting Words into Sounds

Segmenting is the reverse of blending — it’s when children can stretch out a word and hear each sound. For instance, dog can be stretched into /d/ /o/ /g/. Practicing this helps children become stronger spellers later on.

📚 Print Awareness and Letter Knowledge

One of the best predictors of early reading success is knowing that print has meaning and recognizing letters. Point out words on signs or in books, and play “I Spy” games using letters of the alphabet. Every moment of print exposure builds familiarity and confidence.

By weaving these small, intentional moments into your daily routines, you’re giving your child the tools they need to .

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