A piece of lined paper has four animal stickers and the sentence "My name is Alex." The animal stickers include a green frog, orange cat, blue dog, and purple unicorn. "My name is" is written with the black marker to the left of the paper, while "Alex" is written with the red marker also to the left of the paper.

Phonics and comprehension

In kindergarten, children bring what they know about the world and books to begin the serious (and hard!) work of learning to read. You will keep working with your child at home while they begin to understand phonics (breaking apart words into sounds) and understanding what the words mean when they are put together.

Reading is not a natural skill, it must be taught.

The Library’s Ready to Read team can help you learn research-based reading techniques. To schedule a free individual or group training session, please complete this easy form or call 419.259.5253.

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.

Individual training: The Library’s Ready to Read team can help you learn research-based reading techniques so you can support your child become a strong reader. You will get a free kit with books and literacy materials.

 

Call 419.259.5253 for help.

You can also complete this training online and then fill out this quick form, to request your toolkit.

Storytimes: Kindergarteners can still enjoy Storytimes and they are a great way to have fun while reading. Choose from a variety of age groups and locations. View storytimes.

Get a free Library card! Make sure you have lots of books for reading to and with your child. Your Library card allows you to check out unlimited books and we don’t charge fees if you return your books late. Get a card today.

Let us get a stack of books for you. We can pick books for you! Tell us what topic you’d like and we’ll get a stack that you can pick up at your preferred location. Request books to read to your child.

Come play at the Library. All of our locations have play spaces just for children, including a huge children’s space at Main Library. These spaces are also a great place for you to get support from our librarians while meeting other parents and caregivers. Plan a trip today.

Library digital resources for kindergarteners:

We currently do not have any programs scheduled at this time. Please check back soon.