Through years of research and observation, it has been discovery that literacy is an emerging set of knowledge and skills that has its beginning in very young children. Your child's preschool experiences have been designed to lay a strong foundation for success in reading. The following is a list of "pre-reading" activities your child experiences at preschool to nurture his/her emergent literacy:

1. Noticing when things go together and why (categorizing)

Examples: shape sorting, color sorting, feeley box

2. Seeing when things look alike and when things look different (visual discrimination)

Examples: lotto games, matching, bingo

3. Hearing sounds that are alike and different (auditory discrimination)

Examples: rhythm instruments, sound boxes, CDs/cassette tapes, guitar

4. Learning to look at things from left to right (left/right progression) and top to bottom

Examples: arranging things in rows, turning pages, following some charts

5. Learning to hold ideas in mind (memory skills) and sequence

Examples: songs, fingerplays, memory and sequence games

6. Knowing the names of many things (vocabulary skills) and labeling

Examples: introducing new vocabulary with themes presented

7. Learning to pay attention

Examples: book reading, concept presentation, fingerplays

8. Enjoying printed materials and learning purpose in written communication (print awareness)

Examples: writing center, dramatic play props, classroom charts

9. Learning to interpret and discuss pictures

Examples: book reading (worded/wordless), story starter pictures/posters

10. Using and understanding spoken language which utilizes concepts

Examples: classroom discussions, snack time conversations

How You Can Help

It's easy and it's fun! The best thing you can do to help your child become a successful reader is to READ TO YOUR CHILD! Here are 9 good reasons why:

1. Because when you hold them and give them this attention, they know that you love them.
2. Because reading to them will encourage them to become readers.
3. Because children's books today are so good that they are fun even for adults.
4. Because illustrations in children's books often rank with the best, giving children a lifelong feeling for good art.
5. Because books are one way of passing on your values.
6. Because, until they learn to read themselves, they will think you are magic.
7. Because, for the short space of time, they will stay clean and quiet.
8. Because, if you do, they may then let you read in peace.
9. Because every teacher and librarian they ever encounter will thank you.