Many parents and other caregivers are unsure of the importance of early literacy for toddlers. With all the studies showing that children who read at an early age perform better academically, it seems imperative to use every available chance possible to teach them how to read. Toddlers need to develop their language skills, vocabulary and hearing comprehension in order to grow into successful readers later in life. They learn more than just reading—they also learn how to study, think critically, and speak with others appropriately.

Early literacy can be taught in several ways, though there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The most effective way to impart literacy in toddlers is through reading,  playing games and activities. Helping items that may be required are books, toys, puzzles, etc. You may want to add a few snacks or small toys for reward purposes. You can begin by trying to read a book to your toddler, try to impersonate the characters to invite interest. These activities will help your child learn more words and have ample opportunities to exercise their listening skills as well.

Reading Games for Toddlers For Early Literacy:

Act It Out Books

One way you can improve early literacy is by having your child act out the story from an illustrated children’s book. You can choose a book with simple colorful pictures and a few words. Have your child sit down beside you facing the book so they can see clearly.

Then, read the story to them as you point to each picture. Have them repeat the words after you or act out what is happening in the picture as you describe it. Try to increase engagement by asking them to tell you about specific animals or characters in the scene. Make animal sounds throughout the story to keep their interest and help them associate the words with an animal image or type of sound.

Puzzle Games For Early Literacy 

Another engaging activity that is a great time filler is to have your toddler put together puzzles. Puzzles are great for toddlers because they are naturally curious and want to explore the world around them and it also helps increase their observation & grasping power. Use different types of puzzles with varied difficulty levels. You can also ask them to reorganise and tidy up the puzzle pieces after completing the exercise to instill organisation and hygiene skills.

Jigsaw Puzzles

If your toddler is old enough to handle it, a jigsaw puzzle is also a good option as they grow in age. To make this game more fun, you can use puzzles of their favorite things like animals, vehicles or people. You may even want to set up a dedicated area where your child can sit down and work on putting puzzles together on their own.

As they are putting the puzzle together, talk about the colors and images. Ask them to describe what they see as they go along. It will also give you great opportunities to ask questions like “what shape is that?” or “what color is that?”.

Toddler Books

There are many children’s books available that are specifically designed for toddlers. Look for books with bright colorful pictures and few words. For some books, you can use the same format as your storytelling and describe what is happening in the story. Be sure to let your toddler hold the book or read it to them. Reading to a toddler will help them develop their reading skills and further develop their love of books.

Bedtime Stories

If you think that stories are boring for toddlers, you need to think again. As toddlers are growing up they often associate certain things with events that happened that day or even the week before. At night, as they are going to sleep, you can tell them a short story based on something that happened during their day. This exercise helps them to develop retention power.

Board Games

Every toddler loves playing with toys, and board games are their all time preference. They can see the playing pieces and follow along. Be sure to choose games that you know your toddler is capable of playing. If you are playing a board game with your two-year old or older child, be sure to follow the age suggestions on the packaging. If the toddler does not understand the game, they grow irritable and resistant.

Conclusion

As children grow older, they tend to develop their own preferences for entertainment. Some children like to draw, others like to dance or sing, and yet others prefer roll playing. Whatever activity you choose for your child, it’s important that you both are having fun as well. This will help get your child to  learn while playing.

Try not to take your child’s skills or physical abilities too seriously. You’re supposed to be having fun, so why not relax and have fun with your child? It is the time for your child to develop new abilities and broaden their reach of mind.

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