YLV Ep.38 Preparing your child for learning to read before they even look at letters

Phonological Awareness is crucial
Phonological Awareness is a crucial skill for children that refers to their ability to recognise and play with sounds. It includes aspects such as rhyme, rhythm, and syllables, which are all aurally based and do not require children to read anything. 

Unfortunately, this area is often overlooked in early childhood education, as it is harder to measure progress compared to teaching children to recognise letters and sounds. However, Phonological Awareness is a vital skill for children, as those with well-developed skills in this area are more likely to become successful readers and spellers at school.

Parents can help their children develop Phonological Awareness by reading lots of nursery rhymes and rhyming books, playing games with sounds and words, and using literation, which involves saying words that have the same sound at the beginning. Additionally, parents can play clucking games with syllables, which are essential for breaking up longer words to spell and helping children blend sounds together.

Phonological Awareness refers to the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in spoken language. It is a crucial skill for children to develop before they start reading and writing.

Parents and educators should prioritize Phonological Awareness in early childhood education. It is essential to develop these skills as they help children become successful readers and spellers, setting them up for academic success in the future. The is part of the foundation for reading and writing, and children who lack these skills will struggle to learn these essential skills.

The podcast suggests several activities that parents can engage in to help their children develop Phonological Awareness. These activities include reading nursery rhymes, playing games with sounds and words, and using literation and clucking games with syllables. 

Gross Motor is also important and overlooked

Importance of gross motor development in supporting early literacy. Gross motor skills develop from the call out, and it is essential to focus on these skills as they can help children develop fine motor skills required for handwriting. Parents can engage their children in physical activities that help develop gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing.

Develop whole body control for writing
However, it is important to note that developing whole body control is just as crucial for children’s success in writing. 

Children use their whole bodies when writing, and developing control in their fingers, arms, and shoulders is essential. This control comes from developing core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability. Therefore, parents and educators should prioritise activities that help children develop these skills, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors.

Furthermore, it is important to note that children learn at different rates and pushing them too early can be negative to their development. For instance, Phonics does not necessarily need to start until reception, and parents should not worry if their child is not ready to write their name before starting school. Instead, parents should focus on helping their child recognise their name, which is beneficial for finding their belongings at school.

In conclusion, developing whole body control for writing is just as crucial as developing Phonological Awareness for children’s academic success. Parents and educators should prioritise activities that help children develop core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors. 

Additionally, parents should not worry about pushing their child too early and should focus on helping them recognise their name before starting school. By prioritising these skills, children are more likely to become successful writers and set themselves up for academic success in the future.

Pre-reading skills are vital
These skills are vital for children’s academic success. Rachel emphasises the need to develop whole-body control as well as phonological awareness for children’s writing ability. She suggest that parents and educators prioritize activities that help children develop core skills, resilience, resourcefulness, stamina, and emotional ability, such as walking, scooting, and playing outdoors.

Also its helpful to for your child to recognise their name before starting school. Rachel says parents not to worry about pushing their child too early and instead focus on helping them recognising their name. This skill can help children feel more confident and prepared for school, setting them up for academic success in the future.

Other activities to try

Other activities that can help children develop pre-reading skills, such as creating obstacle courses, playing ball games, and going on nature walks. They stress the importance of hand-eye coordination, proprioception, and pressure control in writing ability. These skills can be developed through pouring, pushing, and picking up objects.