Before children are ready for formal reading lessons they need to have developed “Phonemic Awareness” . 

 

One way to develop your child’s phonemic awareness is to read lots of rhyming stories and sing nursery rhymes and songs that rhyme.

 

If English is not your first language you may like to use some of these stories. Turn off the visuals and use the audio as you sit with your child to enjoy the stories together.

​

It is also important for children whose first language is not English to keep their first language strong. This helps their learning. Talk with them in your strongest language, read to them if possible and sing songs.