Activities to get your child ready to read
Sing
Singing is a fun way to make language come alive for you and your child, and helps to prepare your child to sound out words as they learn to read.
Singing helps your child hear the smaller sounds in words and builds their vocabulary. Being able to hear and recognize the beginning, middle and ending sounds that make up words helps children sound out words when they begin to read.
From birth, your child loves to hear your voice. So have fun singing together and don't worry about how you sound.
Singing Tips
- Singing songs is an excellent way to help children hear the smaller, different sounds in words because each syllable in a word often gets its own musical note. Don't worry about how you sound—from birth, your child loves to hear your voice.
- Read and re-read your child's favourite books. Your child becomes more familiar with the story, building their understanding and making it easier for them to retell the story.
- Sing songs or rhymes in the language that is most comfortable for you. Young children don't need to understand the words for these moments together to be learning experiences. Songs and music also help your child learn rhythm.
- When you march, dance or sing together, you break up words into smaller sounds. Add actions as you sing a song or recite a poem. Actions help children break down language into separate words and sounds.
- Sing throughout the day and make up your own silly songs to introduce new vocabulary. New words can be easier to learn when they rhyme or are put to music. Many activities can be sung to the tune of "Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush."
- Add songs, rhyming and language games to your activities throughout the day. Books that celebrate sounds and noises all around give young children practice in listening. Books of simple, familiar songs are good choices for young listeners.