Get Ready to Read

Set your young child up for reading and writing by building knowledge, skills, and habits that create a strong foundation for future literacy.

• Knowledge
  • Build conversation skills through play with peers
  • Introduce new words
  • Play letter, number, and counting games
  • Go on community outings to stores, museums, and parks
• Skills
  • Talk about the print you see around you
  • Write lists
  • Enjoy read-aloud books and talk about the pictures you see
• Habits
  • Ask your child to tell you about what they draw/write
  • Choose screen-time activities that encourage learning new words and letters
  • Build reading and writing into everyday routines such as bedtime stories and grocery lists
• Start early with babies and toddlers
  • Name familiar people, places, and things in photos
  • Encourage scribbling to build small hand muscles for writing
  • Encourage bilingualism by singing songs and reading stories in your family’s heritage language