The process of learning to read begins years before children start school. Children from birth through age five need to develop early literacy or pre-reading skills before they can actually learn to read. And parents are in the best position to teach these skills. Here are five easy practices to help start your child on the path to becoming a reader:

Talking

Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words and information. The experience of self-expression also stimulates brain development.

Singing

Songs are a natural way for children to learn about language. Singing – especially when it includes rhyming – increases children’s awareness of and sensitivity to the sounds in words. This helps prepare children to decode written language.

Reading

Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.

Writing

Writing and reading go together. Scribbling and writing help children learn that written words stand for spoken language.

Playing

Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words stand for real objects and experiences.