Toys for Helping Your Preschooler Learn to Read
2006-12-27

by D. E. Herrod, BEdE, MDiv

Computer programs, DVDs, Leap Pad and other electronic toys can help can help a child learn to read. Books with CDs or tapes are also great. There a many low-tech toys are great for teaching emerging literacy.

Magnetic letters can be used to make words. Be sure to start by teaching words that are important to your child first i.e. their name, names of family members. Have a chart so that your child can see the order of the alphabet. Being able to sing the ABC song does not mean your child knows the alphabet.

Provide a variety of writing materials and words to write. Include crayons, pens, pencils, markers, chalk and chalkboard. Make a special writing area of your child. Set guidelines that all materials must stay there. You may want to include scissors and glue as well.

Sorting toys help a child develop both thinking skills fine motor skills. You don’t really need to buy expensive toys this one. It can be as simple as giving your child buttons and containers to sort them into. Another idea is to use alphabet pasta for sorting. Use tweezers to sort the pasta with to improve fine motor skills.

Another fun way to teach reading is shaving cream. Be sure to use the plain type. Put shaving cream on the table or counter and write words in it.

Be sure to have a wide variety of books including picture dictionaries. Finally, label things in your child’s room or even house.