Pre-reading

There are many 'pre-reading skills' that children need to acquire, including; the ability to recognise and match shapes, the understanding that print carries meaning and the knowledge of the sound an individual letter, or group of letters make (phonics). Good games to play, from aged 2 upwards, are snap, match the picture and jigsaws. Other activities you might like to try with older pre-schoolers:

• What do you think is in this box? (looking at a cereal box) How do you know? What do you think the writing might say?
• How many letter p's (showing the letter) can you find in the room?
• Can you put these pictures into an order to tell a story? (You can use several pictures cut out from a magazine or your own photographs)
• How many words can you think of that begin with the sound 'ssss' ?
• Can you find the letter 'mummy' begins with?
• Can you find the card with your name on it? Can you find the one that says Mummy? (write the family names onto separate pieces of card or paper)
• What is that road sign telling us?
• How do we know where the exit is?

Sharing a book

The most essential thing for any child to learn about reading is that it is a pleasurable, rewarding experience - and children can begin to learn this long before they are able to read the words. If possible, try to share a book with your children regularly. Here are some questions that will help you to involve your child:

• What do you think this book is going to be about?
• What do you think will happen next? Why?
• What is happening in this picture?
• Can you see anymore of these letters (eg 'e') on the page?
• Do you think this character is happy or sad? How can you tell?
• What do you think the words on this page say?
• Did you enjoy the book? What did you like / dislike about it?
• Can you tell me the story now?

Writing

As with learning to read, there are many stages and experiences along the route to becoming a confident writer. Young children benefit from being allowed to experiment with 'writing' (making marks) and drawing from very early and also from watching adults write and draw. As your child 'pretend' writes, don't be too bothered about the spelling or presentation but more that he understands what writing is all about. Some activities you could initiate:

• Can you write a shopping list of the things you'd like to have for lunch?
• What shall I write in the card for Grandma? Would you like to write anything?
• Let's draw people in our family - you draw Polly the cat.
• Can you draw some curly shapes? Can you draw some straight lines?
• Read to me what you've written (although you might not be able to read their writing, children will often be able to tell you exactly what it means)
• Let's make a list of the 'phone numbers we use most.
• Will you help me to write to Auntie Sally asking her to come to tea?
• How many different marks can you make with this pencil?