Pre-Reading Strategies
MAGNETIC LETTERS (lower case) � use on the refrigerator, a cookie sheet or
other magnetic surface to practice letter sounds, high frequency words and
spelling words
WORD WALL � put up separate alphabet letters on the wall, write new words
the child has mastered, cut them out and put them under the alphabet letter
that has the same beginning sound
COMPUTER SOFTWARE � look for computer games that incorporate phonics into
reading activities
ALPHABET BOOKS � cut a piece of paper into fourths, staple them together on
the side, and write an alphabet letter on the first page. Have your child
cut pictures out of magazines that begin with the letter on the first page
and glue them on the following pages. Label the pictures.
POST-ITS/PENS � write single letters on small post-its and have your child
stick the post-its on items around the house that begin with the same letter.
MAGNADOODLE � great for the car when practicing writing letters, words, word
families, spelling words, etc.
ALPHABET BINGO � wonderful for practicing letter names and sounds! Lots of
variations possible!
MATCHING GAMES � look for matching games that match pictures to letters
using: initial sounds, medial sounds, and final sounds
RHYMING WORDS � look for rhyming words in books, poetry, writing, etc.
Practice making rhyming words with magnetic letters, pens and paper, on the
computer, etc.
POETRY � read lots of poetry to your child! Go back and look for words that
start and/or end with the same letter, words that rhyme, capital letters,
same endings, etc.
READ! READ! READ! � read to your child often and discuss what you are
reading! Model and encourage as much language as possible!
