Kindergarten (ages five-six)

Play word games together (helps with decoding):

• Think of words that start/end with specific sounds.
• Take turns changing sounds/letters. (cat, mat, map, tap) How long can you make your word chain?
• Sound out nonsense words.
• When reading, sound out words together.
• Rhyme together.

Make the letter sounds as you write letters together (helps with decoding):

• “M” says mmm. Trace the letter in a shallow dish of sand, sugar, or flour, making the letter sounds.

Develop action cues to remember sounds (helps with decoding):

• Take an imaginary apple bite to remember “a” for “apple.” 
• Point up to remember the “u” sound in “up.” 

Spell simple words with letter tiles or shapes:

• Touch each letter as you make the letter sound, then blend them together. What new words can you make by changing the beginning, middle, or end sounds? 

Learning letter sounds by writing:

• Writing letters to family members, silly stories, or a daily journal will help your child better understand how letter sounds form words. 

Make reading fun:

• Pick books that interest your child; let them choose what you read.
• Read in a pillow fort, by flashlight, or at a park.
• Read to your pet.
• Follow their lead; don’t make reading a chore.
  

All reading counts:

• Try audiobooks, comic books, television captions, Wonderbooks, or Bookflix.
• Kids who are learning to read need lots of books. Visit the Library often. We are fine-free!
• Read while waiting at the doctor’s office or when in store lines.

Learning something new is hard:

• Sit beside your child as they read. They will know you are on their side!
• It’s ok to take breaks.
• Use positive language: Instead of saying “This is too hard,” coach your child to say, “I’m still learning.”

Make sure your child is ready for kindergarten:

• Print this checklist of health and safety needs for your kindergartener. From knowing their first and last name, to being able to take their own coat on and off, make sure your child is ready for this step into school.