Developing Language and Literacy Skills

Learning how to read is a complex process, yet laying a strong literacy foundation in the early years is one of the first steps. Everyday activities and routines offer a variety of experiences for preschool children to learn and practice oral language and emergent literacy skills. It is important to promote these skills by reading appropriate books, singing songs, asking open-ended questions, introducing new vocabulary words, modeling how to handle books, and creating opportunities for self-expression and writing. And don't forget to talk, talk, talk! Experts say simply having conversations with your children is one of the most important things you can do to help your kids expand their minds and their vocabulary.

Try some of these
fun language and literacy activities
with the children in your program.

Explore PBS Kids Island - a free resource with fun games and activities to help children practice literacy skills. Recommended ages: 3-6

The Great Word Quest - a free resource with an online scavenger hunt to help kids build reading skills. Recommended ages: 6-8

Visit PBS Kids Raising Readers to find a variety of online early literacy resources, including:

• A daily Reading Activity Calendar with fun, simple ways to make reading a part of your every day life.

• Narrated, read-along stories and interactive literacy games from Between the Lions

• Songs and music videos from Between the Lions and Super WHY! that introduce children to important literacy skills.

• Printable activity sheets from Between the Lions, Sesame Street, Super WHY! and Word World to extend literacy learning offline.