A Caregiver's Guide to Emergent Literacy Through Play
From the moment your child is in the womb, they are learning the rhythms and sounds of language. Reading, singing, talking, and playing together every day builds strong early language and literacy skills. These joyful moments create a foundation for school success and a lifelong love of learning.
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What is Emergent Literacy?
Emergent literacy is how young children learn about language, reading, and writing long before they can read on their own. It includes listening to stories, speaking and sharing their thoughts, reading (or pretending to read) books and signs, and writing through scribbles, drawings, and early letter-making. The more children are surrounded by words and stories, the stronger their reading foundation will be.
Why It Matters
Emergent literacy builds skills children use for life:
Language development – expanding vocabulary and sentence skills
Phonological awareness – playing with sounds and rhymes
Print awareness – knowing that letters and words carry meaning
Vocabulary growth – understanding more words to improve comprehension
Love for reading – finding joy in books and stories
Playful Ways to Build Literacy at Home
Read Together Every Day – Even 10 minutes a day makes a big difference. Use silly voices, let your child turn pages, and make it fun.
Sing and Rhyme – Play rhyming games, sing songs, and clap rhythms to help your child hear sounds in words.
Talk, Talk, Talk – Describe what you're doing, ask questions, and listen to your child's ideas.
Spot the Print Around You – Point out signs, labels, and letters in your child's name everywhere you go.
Encourage Early Writing – Provide crayons and paper, let them scribble or draw, and build hand strength with play dough.
Your child's reading journey starts with everyday moments filled with words, sounds, and stories. By reading, talking, singing, and playing together, you're building their confidence, curiosity, and love for learning.
OberlinKids Community Collaborative On Track for Kindergarten - An OberlinKids Program Powered by United Way of Greater Lorain County
