Words are everywhere we live – not just in books and worksheets.

Children see words on street and building signs, food, clothing, toy labels and television. But learning to read words does not define the whole skill set known as “literacy.”

Literacy includes the skills involved in reading, speaking (oral) and writing – skills that children begin to develop in their first three years. This early phase, called “emergent literacy” continues through a child’s preschool years.

Children’s literacy develops through the enjoyment of books and their interactions with parents and other adults. But it also grows through storytelling, word play (such as rhyming), conversation, singing and even simple scribbling.

These early experiences with books, oral and dramatic storytelling and art materials help them build essential language development in reading and writing.

— Tips to Develop Literacy Skills

Point out words (e.g., on stop signs, doors, food containers) as you walk down a street, visit a playground or shop at a store. If necessary, explain what they mean.

Play word games: rhyming, opposites and words that begin with the same sound.

Read and reread to your children every day, especially the stories they like most, as those are the ones that they will begin to memorize. Once they “know” the words, they will begin to look for and pick out those same words in other places.

Ask your child what he or she thinks will happen next in a story to encourage imaginative and critical thinking.

Have your child retell a favorite story. Encourage children ages four to six to draw pictures of their favorite scene and/or character. Ask them to pick a few words about their story for you to write on their drawing.