How to Foster Early Literacy in Preschoolers

Literacy is more than just the ability of your child to read and write; it’s about their ability to understand and use different types of information, like those that can be gleaned from pictures and illustrations, written content, and videos. Furthermore, it's about your child having the skills to explore, understand, and contribute to our diverse and connected world.

In Singapore, emphasis is placed on fostering literacy at a very young age. In fact, the government has a specialized Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) that’s focused solely on overseeing the early childhood education sector. For the most part, it’s the role of the agency to ensure the implementation of high-quality childhood education programmes.

At home, it’s the family that plays a major role in their child’s early childhood literacy. Through home learning activities such as reading, singing, and playing games, children are given more opportunities to develop, learn, and increase their skills so that by the time they enter formal schooling, they are better prepared.

So, jumpstart your child’s literacy and learning journey with these different activities and approaches you can do at home and beyond:

Read Aloud to Your Child

One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to nurture literacy in your preschooler is by reading aloud. Regular reading sessions expose children to a rich tapestry of vocabulary, which fosters language development and comprehension skills. 

Incorporate storytelling time into your child’s nighttime routine. Choose their favorite age-appropriate books, and be lively and expressive with your delivery to keep them engaged. Moreover, make these moments interactive by asking questions about the plot, subject, or characters, sparking your child's curiosity and imagination. 

By introducing your kids to books and stories at an early age, they will likely grow up to be avid readers who enjoy the simple pleasures of reading. 

Sing Songs and Nursery Rhymes

Beyond the realm of traditional literacy, music plays a unique role in language development. As such, incorporate songs and nursery rhymes into your daily routine. Coax your child to sing while walking or taking baths. To soothe and calm your child, you can sing a lullaby while tucking them into bed.

The rhythmic patterns and repetitive nature of these tunes enhance phonemic awareness—the ability to recognise and manipulate sounds—an integral skill for future reading success. More than everything else, singing together makes learning enjoyable and strengthens the bond between you and your child.

Play Literacy-Enriching Games

Learning through play is a cornerstone of early childhood education. So, during family nights, introduce games that make literacy fun and engaging. These could be anything from board games to word puzzles and educational apps designed for preschoolers. These games can enhance their letter recognition, vocabulary, and cognitive skills.

With games, you can infuse creativity into learning and turn mundane moments into opportunities for growth. That said, aim to strike a balance between education and enjoyment.

Provide Dedicated Spaces for Reading and Writing

Create an environment at home that encourages literacy. Set up a dedicated reading space with comfortable seating and a variety of books. This not only makes reading a pleasurable activity but also signals the importance of literacy in your home. Similarly, establish a writing space where your child can explore the art of putting thoughts into words. Start with simple exercises like drawing and scribbling, which pave the way for future writing skills.

The important thing to remember when setting up these spaces is to ensure that they are designed specifically for your child. In other words, they can freely access their books and writing tools without needing help from an adult. In doing so, you can also foster their independence and boost their confidence.

Visit the Library Often

Singapore boasts an impressive network of libraries that can be a treasure trove for young minds. Regular visits to the library expose your child to a diverse range of books, which can expand their horizons and fuel their curiosity. 

Many libraries also offer storytime sessions. This creates a social and educational experience for preschoolers. Make library visits a family affair that instils a love of reading that extends beyond the home.

Find a School that Provides Literacy-Focused Early Childhood Education

With your busy schedule, focusing on your child’s early education can be challenging. That’s why it’s important to find a safe and nurturing environment for your child where they can continue learning new skills and gaining knowledge.

These days, you can do your research online and find out if the preschool you’re interested in offers a strong curriculum with a particular focus on literacy development. The Kinderland network of schools, for example, has a multi-sensory phonics programme that stimulates children to learn through their senses. They also offer Literacy Through I.T., a computer-based multi-sensory instruction system that is based on the phonemic principle. With programmes like these, you can expect enhanced language acquisition and literacy skills in your child.  You can check out reviews of Kinderland online or find Kinderland on YouTube to get to know the school better and determine if these programmes are a good fit for your child.

In a vibrant Singaporean family life, the role of parents in fostering early literacy cannot be overstated. By implementing these suggestions and approaches, you can sow the seed of success for your preschooler's educational journey. So, enjoy a collaborative journey with your child, and set the stage for a lifelong love of learning.