Did you know that nearly 130 million adults in the US can’t read well enough to perform critical tasks such as following directions, reading product labels, and filling out forms?
Because literacy skills can make a big difference in one’s livelihood, it’s important to make sure your child will get off to a good start with early literacy and play activities.
As your little one enters preschooler, he or she will start learning about shapes, colors, numbers, and letters. But it isn’t too late to enhance those skills. Read on to find out why it’s never too early to teach your child to be a good reader and how to do so.
Help Increase Problem-Solving
Early literacy and play activities can help your preschooler learn and increase their problem-solving skills. Providing your preschooler with blocks and other toys to play with helps in problem-solving too. Puzzles and brain teasers are also great for helping them learn cognitive skills.
Introducing outdoor play, such as walking and skipping, is also a great activity to help explore their environment and use their hands to investigate. Consider enrolling your preschooler in an early head start program to take full advantage of the benefits of early literacy and play activities.
Learn Important Socio-Emotional
Preschoolers learn to communicate effectively and reflect on their emotions through specially designed games and activities. One strategy to promote these skills is to help preschoolers years identify feelings through stories and books. Young children also benefit from creative play and self-expression through play dough, art projects, and dress-up activities.
As preschoolers interact with others and practice self-control, they better understand their own feelings. And promote better social and emotional behaviors. From a simple game of hide-and-seek to playing house, there are countless ways for preschoolers to learn valuable life skills.
Assists In The Development Of Language And Communication
Early childhood development and play activities are incredibly important for a preschooler’s development. Storytime can help foster your child’s creativity and literacy, teaching them language use. Furthermore, these activities can help to encourage your child’s curiosity about objects and people.
It also allows them to express themselves in a safe, encouraging environment. By allowing them to make choices in the activities, you allow your child to hone in on their language skills. Through play activities and language, your preschooler will better understand the complex symbols we use to communicate within our world.
Helps Children Recognize Letter Sounds
Playing activities that involve letters and sounds can help children learn letter recognition. These activities also help children become familiar with the sounds letters make and recognize letter patterns. Flashcards, interactive books, and YouTube videos are great tools to help children learn letter sounds.
Through repetition, word games, and listening to stories narrated by adults, children can become familiar enough with letter sounds to recognize how they work together and form words. Early literacy and play activities help teach children the skills they need to become confident readers.
Establish Reading Routines At Home
Early literacy and play activities are invaluable tools to help preschoolers grow, learn, and build strong foundations. Incorporating these into family routines can help your preschooler explore the world around them and cultivate a strong love of learning. Take the time to get creative and enjoy these activities with your little one!
If you’re looking for more ways that will help you, then be sure to explore our blog for all of the answers to your question!