Literacy Fun for Preschoolers: Phonics, Stories & Pre-Writing Play

Dr. Deb Zupito

Take time to READ everyday!

Building a love for reading and writing starts early, and it doesn’t have to be complicated! Preschoolers naturally soak up language through songs, stories, and play. This week on the blog, we’re diving into fun and easy ways to support early literacy at home or in the classroom.

Phonics Games They’ll Love

Phonics is all about connecting letters to their sounds. But drilling flashcards? Not necessary! Try these engaging games instead:

Alphabet Sound Hunt: Hide letters around the room. When kids find one, they say its name and sound. “B says /b/!”

Mystery Bag: Fill a bag with small toys or items. Kids pull one out and say the first sound. “B-b-bear!”

Clap the Syllables: Say a word (like "banana") and clap out its parts—ba-na-na. Great for sound awareness.

Read-Aloud Favorites

Reading aloud to preschoolers is one of the best ways to grow vocabulary, comprehension, and imagination. A few can't-miss favorites:

"Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. – Great for rhythm and repetition.

"The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle – Perfect for sequencing and days of the week.

"Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!"by Mo Willems – Kids love the interactive humor.

Let kids “read” by finishing familiar phrases or retelling the story in their own words.

Pre-Writing Skills Through Play

Writing doesn’t start with letters, it starts with fine motor play! Help preschoolers build hand strength and control with activities like:

Playdough Fun: Squishing and rolling builds finger muscles.

Sand or Salt Trays: Practice drawing shapes, lines, or letters with fingers or a paintbrush.

Sticker Lines & Dot Markers: Following lines with stickers or making dots along a path builds control.

Final Thought

Early literacy is joyful, hands-on, and filled with movement and laughter. Whether you're a parent reading before bedtime or a teacher leading circle time, remember: every rhyme, giggle, and scribble is a step toward confident reading and writing. Enjoy this time!