Playing
Playing gives children a chance to practice using the words they know. Play teaches children that one thing—like a blanket—can stand for another thing—like a cape. This helps children learn that the letters on the page stand for words and ideas. Try the Spark literacy activities focused on Play.
We're Going on a Bear Hunt Literacy Activity
Acting out stories helps children understand the new stories they hear.
Read then act out We're Going on a Bear Hunt
Giving
Giving children a chance to say the words they already know strengthens their vocabulary skills. Try asking the questions on the Spark Card
More: Read and play with your child doing the Toot Toot Beep Beep Literacy Activity
Sharing
Sharing action rhymes with your child creates positive language experience. Bounce your child to The Royal Duke of York
More: Want more rhymes? Check out Storyblocks, rhymes and songs produced by the Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy.
Listening Skills
Tip: Playing sound games builds listening skills that will help children sound out words as they learn to read.
Literacy Activity: Read Sing- Along Song What sounds does your child hear in their world?
Playing
Playing alphabet games helps children practice quick letter recognition. Try the missing letter game on the Spark Activity Card.
More: Kids need to be able to know a letter no matter when they see it, not just if it comes in order. Try these books that shake up the alphabet!
Sorting
Sorting games help prepare children to recognize letter shapes. Try the activites on the Spark card.
More: Read Mouse Shapes and try this literacy activity.
Pretending
Pretending is an active way for children to enjoy rhymes and songs. Pretend you are a teddy bear with this song.
More: Want more ideas for action songs to act out? Try the SuperSimpleSongs channel on YouTube.
Clapping
Clapping varied rhythms helps your child hear patterns in language. Ask your child to clap like you and try the different rythms on the Spark Activity Card.
More: Try the Clapping Rhymes that are attached.
