If your child is just beginning to learn to read

At school you should see teachers... • Teaching the sounds of language. The teacher provides opportunities for children to practice with the sounds that make up words. Children learn to put sounds together to make words and to break words into their separate sounds. • Teaching the letters of the alphabet. Teachers help children learn to recognize letter names and shapes. • Helping children learn and use new words. • Reading to children every day. Teachers read with expression and talk with children about what they are reading. At home you can help by... • Practicing the sounds of language. Read books with rhymes. Teach your child rhymes, short poems, and songs. Play simple word games: How many words can you make up that sound like the word "bat"? • Helping your child take spoken words apart and put them together. Help your child separate the sounds in words, listen for beginning and ending sounds, and put separate sounds together. • Practicing the alphabet by pointing out letters wherever you see them and by reading alphabet books.