by Brittle Pen

Created on: March 02, 2007   Last Updated: April 18, 2007

Even though children may not learn to read until they are in preschool or grade school, they develop some of the skills necessary to read while they are a toddler.

There are six (6) pre-reading skills (recognized by US libraries and emergent reader groups) necessary for a child before they begin active reading. These skills are as follows:

1) Print Motivation - In laymen's terms, print motivation is thinking that reading and books are fun and enjoyable. Toddlers and babies can learn this concept by being read colorful and interesting books multiple times each day.

2) Sound Awareness - A child is aware of word sounds when he or she can tap and clap rhythms that make up words and syllables. Toddlers and babies can begin learning rhythms and syllables while singing and playing familiar songs and nursery rhymes with caregivers.

3) Vocabulary - A child begins learning words and names for objects as early as birth. Again, reading and talking to your toddler or infant reinforces verbal and literacy skills.

4) Alphabet Knowledge - Most children begin learning the "Alphabet Song" as toddlers and may even learn to identify a few of the letters. It is often best to begin teaching a child to identify the letter that begins his/her name. Make learning a fun process with manipulatives (like blocks, puzzles, magnets) and games.

5) Print Awareness - Print awareness is not the act of being able to read words, but only the ability to identify that printed text equals letters or words and that those words come together to present information or a story. While you are reading to your child, simply point out the text with your finger or have your child pretend to follow along with their finger. Soon, you will find your child doing this without help.

6) Narrative Skills - A child begins to learn narrative skills at birth while listening to caregivers and siblings. Most children learn to recount events and stories using language while toddler age. Narrative skills are simply the skills necessary to tell a story, not to write or read the story.

Have fun teaching your toddler all the pre-reading skills necessary to make reading achievable and fun!

Learn more about this author, Brittle Pen.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.