Early Literacy & Pre-Academic Skills

Master these essential components of Early Literacy & Pre-Academic Skills

Phonological Awareness

The ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language, such as rhyming, syllables, and phonemes (individual sounds).

Activities:

  • 1Play rhyming games (e.g., 'What rhymes with cat?').
  • 2Clap out syllables in words (e.g., 'ba-na-na').
  • 3Sing songs with repetitive sounds or rhymes (e.g., 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star').
  • 4Practice blending sounds to make words (e.g., /c/ /a/ /t/ = 'cat').
  • 5Use sound boxes to segment words into individual sounds.

Print Awareness

Understanding how books and print work, such as left-to-right directionality, recognizing letters, and knowing the difference between words and pictures.

Activities:

  • 1Point to words while reading aloud to show how text flows.
  • 2Teach children to hold books correctly and turn pages.
  • 3Play 'I Spy' with letters or words in a book.
  • 4Label objects in the classroom or home with printed words.
  • 5Create a print-rich environment with signs, labels, and charts.

Letter Knowledge

Recognizing and naming letters of the alphabet, both uppercase and lowercase, and knowing their corresponding sounds.

Activities:

  • 1Use alphabet puzzles or flashcards to practice letter recognition.
  • 2Sing the alphabet song while pointing to letters.
  • 3Trace letters in sand, shaving cream, or on paper.
  • 4Play letter-matching games (e.g., matching uppercase to lowercase).
  • 5Read alphabet books and emphasize letter sounds.

Vocabulary Development

Building a child's understanding and use of a wide range of words.

Activities:

  • 1Read books daily and explain new words.
  • 2Play 'What's this?' with objects or pictures to name items.
  • 3Use descriptive language during play (e.g., 'The big, red ball').
  • 4Introduce thematic vocabulary (e.g., words about animals, seasons).
  • 5Act out words or use gestures to reinforce meaning.

Narrative Skills

The ability to understand and tell stories, including sequencing events and using descriptive language.

Activities:

  • 1Encourage children to retell stories in their own words.
  • 2Use picture cards to sequence a story.
  • 3Act out stories with puppets or toys.
  • 4Ask open-ended questions about stories (e.g., 'What happened next?').
  • 5Create a story together by taking turns adding sentences.

Number Sense

Understanding basic math concepts like counting, recognizing numbers, and understanding quantities.

Activities:

  • 1Count objects during daily routines (e.g., counting steps or toys).
  • 2Play number-matching games with cards or dice.
  • 3Use counting songs (e.g., 'Five Little Monkeys').
  • 4Sort objects by size, color, or shape and count them.
  • 5Practice writing numbers and counting aloud.

Shape and Color Recognition

Identifying and naming shapes and colors.

Activities:

  • 1Play 'I Spy' with colors and shapes (e.g., 'I spy something red and round').
  • 2Sort objects by color or shape.
  • 3Create art projects using different shapes and colors.
  • 4Use shape puzzles or blocks to build and identify shapes.
  • 5Read books that focus on colors and shapes.

Fine Motor Skills

Developing small muscle control for tasks like writing, cutting, and drawing.

Activities:

  • 1Practice cutting with child-safe scissors.
  • 2Use playdough to strengthen hand muscles.
  • 3String beads or pasta onto a string.
  • 4Trace letters or shapes with pencils or crayons.
  • 5Play with small building blocks or LEGO bricks.

Listening Comprehension

The ability to understand and follow spoken instructions or stories.

Activities:

  • 1Read aloud and ask questions about the story.
  • 2Play 'Simon Says' to practice following directions.
  • 3Use audio books and discuss the story afterward.
  • 4Give simple, multi-step instructions (e.g., 'Pick up the toy and put it in the box').
  • 5Encourage active listening by repeating back what was heard.

Social-Emotional Skills

Skills like sharing, taking turns, and expressing emotions, which are essential for classroom success.

Activities:

  • 1Role-play social scenarios (e.g., sharing toys).
  • 2Use emotion cards to identify and discuss feelings.
  • 3Practice taking turns during games or group activities.
  • 4Read books about emotions and discuss characters' feelings.
  • 5Encourage group play and teamwork.

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to think critically and solve simple problems.

Activities:

  • 1Use puzzles or brainteasers to encourage logical thinking.
  • 2Ask open-ended questions (e.g., 'What would you do if...?').
  • 3Play matching or sorting games.
  • 4Encourage children to find solutions to everyday problems (e.g., 'How can we share this toy?').
  • 5Use building blocks to create structures and solve design challenges.

Memory and Recall

The ability to remember and retrieve information.

Activities:

  • 1Play memory card games.
  • 2Practice repeating sequences of numbers or words.
  • 3Read a story and ask children to recall details.
  • 4Use 'What's Missing?' games with objects or pictures.
  • 5Sing songs with repetitive lyrics to reinforce memory.